The new strategy builds on the Partnership’s existing workstreams, which have focused on delivering an innovative programme for safeguarding children and young people against the growing threat of exploitation and the impact of youth violence.

Kevin Boram Chair, Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership said: “The pandemic has created many challenges, but it is clear some have been impacted more adversely than others.

“The recent appalling crimes against women, the exploitation of the young and vulnerable in the commitment of crime and the increased violence against children and minoritised groups are all matters which are identified as our priorities for the future. We know much of that crime is hidden within our communities, made worse by the lockdowns, and we know are under-reported, but with close working partnership between all members of the Adur & Worthing Safer Communities Partnership and other stakeholders, I am convinced that we can make a positive impact on our communities’ well-being and safety.”

The aim of the Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership Strategy, which was endorsed at a meeting of the Councils’ Joint Strategic Committee last week, is to make Adur and Worthing places where people who live, work and visit feel safe and are safe, with an emphasis on women and girls’ safety and understanding the impact of crime and disorder on black and minoritised ethnic communities.

The Adur and Worthing Safer Communities Partnership consists of Adur and Worthing Councils, The Office of Sussex Police Crime Commissioner,  Sussex Police, West Sussex Fire and Rescue Service, The National Probation Service, West Sussex County Council and the Community Works (Voluntary Sector), with funding from the West Sussex Violence Reduction Partnership.