Update best practice document on domestic abuse and sexual violence

Conference recognises that the impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence is as real and damaging now as it was in 2015 when Conference passed resolution 57 ‘Best Practice Document on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence’ calling for the Executive Council (EC) to endorse the best practice document to provide Fire Brigades Union Officials with the necessary tools to implement policies within individual fire and rescue services.

Many fire and rescue services still have no policies on this subject, and those that do often have policies that are outdated and insufficient.

Conference instructs the EC to work with all relevant sections to update the current best practice document on Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence to include changes in the law such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and the overarching framework of the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).