Local authorities should be given the lead on efforts to tackle domestic violence, according a think tank. The New Local Government Network argued councils were best placed to create the cross-cutting work by agencies in areas of criminal justice, health and social exclusion, to deliver strategies to reduce levels of domestic violence. It also warned current work was too focused around criminal justice. Researcher, Anthony Brand said: ‘Domestic violence is very much a local issue.' ‘The social, cultural and environmental factors which influence domestic violence in Tower Hamlets may not be the same as those in Torquay. These factors can and should influence the way resources are targeted locally. ‘Services need the flexibility to design local services around local need.'
