Domestic Abuse Joint Protocol

Introduction

This protocol has been agreed by all statutory and relevant voluntary agencies in Derbyshire. It aims to ensure that a helpful and consistent response to domestic abuse is provided across Derbyshire by all agencies having a duty of care towards adults and children

It does not replace the necessity to address associated policy and procedures concerning:

  • Safeguarding children

  • Safeguarding vulnerable adults

  • Domestic abuse Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

Or any agency specific policy and procedures concerning domestic abuse

  • Each member of staff or volunteer has a responsibility to respond if they become concerned that domestic abuse is an issue for someone (including colleagues) they come into contact with as part of their work

  • Further information on help available for all experiencing, surviving and perpetrating abuse is available at www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window). 

Definition

The County Forum defines abuse as:

Emotional, physical, sexual or psychological abuse by the partner, ex-partner, family member or someone with whom there has been a relationship.

Domestic abuse includes any form of physical, sexual or emotional abuse between people in a close relationship.

It can take a number of forms such as physical assault, sexual abuse, rape, threats, intimidation and forced marriage. It may be accompanied by other kinds of intimidation such as degradation, mental and verbal abuse, humiliation, deprivation, systematic criticism and belittling.

In the overwhelming majority of instances the abuser is male and the victim is female although this is not always the case. The abuse is not always between partners or former partners but may occur across generations e.g. son to mother. It also occurs in same sex relationships.

Values and Principles

The following principles should be understood and inform your operation of this protocol.

  • Domestic violence is a crime and should be viewed as seriously as similar crimes in other settings

  • Domestic abuse is totally unacceptable in our society and by informing and changing public opinion we may positively influence the behaviour and attitude of individuals

  • Someone who discloses domestic abuse should be listened to, taken seriously and given an appropriate response

  • Victims should  be offered confidentiality within clearly defined limits concerning safeguarding children, safeguarding vulnerable adults, and the requirements of the MARAC

  • Victims  who disclose abuse should have equal access to support and services regardless of age, nationality, race, sexuality, disability, religion and the legal status of their relationship

  • Victims who decide to stay in an abusive relationship should be offered as much help and support as they need

  • The victims viewpoint is central in the provision of services and support

  • Victims should be assisted to regain control of their own lives

  • The needs and rights of children affected by domestic abuse should be recognised and addressed

  • In working with perpetrators the primary concern must be the safety of survivors

  • Assistance should be made available to perpetrators to change harmful behaviours

Responding to suspicion or disclosure of abuse

Where children or vulnerable adults are affected, use the procedures for safeguarding children, children in need or safeguarding vulnerable adults

In all cases:

  • Provide emergency assistance and/or contact emergency services to ensure the immediate health and safety of the person concerned, yourself and others

  • Safely provide the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline number (0800 0198668) and offer to phone that number on the persons behalf. This number can also be used for you to seek guidance in addressing domestic abuse and operating this protocol.

  • Offer a gender appropriate person and a safe and private place for further discussion. Do not ask about domestic violence in the presence of a partner or other family members. Provide a trained interpreter if necessary. Do not use family or friends to interpret unless this has been agreed by the person.

  • If you are not the appropriate person to assist further offer the assistance of the appropriate colleague or manager. If the adult or child does not give permission for this, you may need to explain your responsibility to discuss this matter with a colleague or manager.

  • Be clear about what you will do and who, if anyone, you will be contacting on behalf of the person or other adults/children who may be at risk

  • With the person consider the risk that they face by referring to the risk assessment required by the MARAC. Based on the risk assessment your agency should make a judgment as to whether a referral to the MARAC is required.

  • Listen to what the adult or child wants to happen as a result of talking to you. 

Safety planning

With permission and where appropriate to the disclosure, assist the person to address these immediate safety issues:

  • Does the person at risk have a safe means of contacting emergency services?

  • Does the person at risk need to move to a place of safety?

  • If not, does the person at risk need to make her house more secure?

  • Does the person at risk have emergency contact numbers?

  • Can the person at risk leave some emergency money, keys and important documents with anyone safe in case she needs to leave in an emergency?

  • If the person at risk has children at school, does the school know of his/her circumstances?

  • Is there someone the person at risk can talk to and trust?

  • If the person at risk has pets, can they be left with someone?

Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline (0800 0198668) can advise you concerning all these issues: You are not alone!

Related documents

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