Domestic abuse Flashcards
What is the legal definition of domestic abuse
Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological physical sexual financial emotional
What factors may make you consider domestic abuse
Best indicator is ‘reported as unwitnessed by anyone else’. Others: repeat attendance, delay in seeking help, multiple minor injuries not requiring treatment
What is the standard risk defined as in domestic abuse
current evidence does NOT indicate likelihood of causing serious harm
What is defined as medium risk in domestic abuse
there are identifiable indicators of risk of serious harm. Offender has potential to cause serious harm but unlikely unless change in circumstances
What is defined as high risk in domestic abuse
there are identifiable indicators of imminent risk of serious harm. Dynamic – could happen at any time and impact would be serious
What risk assessment tool is used when assessing risk in domestic abuse
DASH (domestic abuse, stalking, harassment and honor based abuse)
What risks should you consider in the victim
Child or step child Pregnancy or new baby isolated Expressing fear Depressed or suicidal
What risks should you consider in the perpetrator
voilence towards others and criminal history Drugs/alcohol/mental health animal abuse weapons accomplices controlling/jealous suicidal
What can medical staff do to reduce or prevent domestic abuse
display Helpline posters and contact cards – create an environment where people feel able to talk about it
focus on the patient’s safety (and their children’s safety)
ask direct questions, be non-judgmental and reassuring
acknowledge and be clear that the behaviour is not ok
give information (Helpline) and refer on where appropriate
be part of their process of recognising & escaping abuse
be open to working with other agencies and professionals
What should you not do in regards to domestic abuse allogations
assume someone else will take care of things, you may be her/his only contact.
ask about domestic abuse in front of family members or use informal interpreters.
tell them what to do – they are the expert in their own situation – aim to empower them to make safe and informed choices.
What options are there for cases that are standard or medium risk
Give contact details for Domestic Abuse services
Helpline: 0808 808 2241 Sheffield The Helpline is open 8.00 am to 8.00 pm Monday to Friday and 9.00 am to 5.00pm Saturday, not open bank holidays.
National Helpline 0808 2000 247 is 24 hours
Men’s Advice Line Monday – Friday 9am-5pmon 0808 801 0327
What options are there for high risk domestic abuses allogations
Refer to MARAC/IDVAS wherever possible with consent, can be done via helpline as well. However, for HIGH risk cases, you can break confidentiality to do so if you cannot get consent.
What is MARAC
Domestic Abuse Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) - In a single meeting, links up to date information about victims’ needs & risks directly to the provision of appropriate services & responses for all those involved: victim, child/ren, perpetrator.
What is the IVDA service
The IDVA Service works primarily with womenwho are at the highest levels ofrisk from domestic abuse in the city, andhelps them to increase their safetyby providing: advocacy and advice around domestic abuse, safety planning, support through court proceedings, signposting to specialist services: housing, legal services, refuge provision and home safety services, a voice in the MARAC process.
What is a domestic homicide review
a review of the circumstances in which the death of a person aged 16 or over has, or appears to have, resulted from violence, abuse or neglect by:(a) a person to whom (s)he was related or with whom (s)he was or had been in an intimate personal relationship, or (b) a member of the same household as himself. Held with a view to identifying the lessons to be learnt from the death. Age16-17: SCR takes precedence; criteria include suicides.
