Herefordshire Safeguarding Boards and Partnerships

If you are a victim of domestic abuse help can be found – contact West Mercia Women’s Aid

If you are in danger dial 999

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Domestic Abuse is unacceptable and tackling the issue is a priority for organisations and services working across Herefordshire.

Domestic Abuse is a Safeguarding and Public Health matter. Early intervention and support is crucial.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Women’s Aid define domestic abuse as:

“An incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.”

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Harassment and stalking
• Online or digital abuse

Domestic abuse also occurs in the lesbian, gay, bisexual, non-binary and transgender communities. Heterosexual men can also be abused by heterosexual women.

Domestic abuse doesn’t just occur between partners living in the same residence. It also occurs with interfamilial relationships, ex partners, and parent/adult child relationships.

The professional guidance on domestic abuse is applicable for all victims (female, male, LGBTQ etc.) and can be found within the West Midlands Procedures

Guidance for Professionals to Enable Disclosures:

• Create a supportive environment where DA information is prominently displayed
• Be aware of local and national support services and have available information to support victims
• Ensure you attend domestic abuse training that is appropriate to your professional role i.e. universal or targeted training
• Be aware of signs that could indicate DA is taking place
• If required, ensure professional interpreters are employed to translate, not family members, children or friends
• Only ask about domestic abuse to service users when they are safely on their own, and in a private place.
• Remember domestic abuse commonly escalates and increases in severity over time

Separation does not ensure safety; it often increases the risk. Always consult specialist Domestic Abuse agencies for safety planning advice.  Click to visit the West Mercia Women’s Aid website, or call the 24 hour helpline on 0800 783 1359.

MARAC

If you believe a situation is high risk refer to Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference procedures (MARAC). The MARAC guidance can be found here.