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Contents

1. Introduction
2. Facts about Domestic Abuse
3. The Impact of Domestic Abuse on the Ability to Parent
4. Enabling Disclosure with Victims
5. Enabling Disclosure with Children
6. Risk Assessment
7. Safety Planning
8. Staff Safety
   
   Appendix 1: Risk Factors
   
   Appendix 2: Domestic Abuse Levels of Risk Table
   
   Appendix 3: Assessing the Impact of Domestic Abuse Form
   
   Appendix 4: Safety Planning for Adults
   
   Appendix 5: Safety Planning for Children

1. Introduction

Key messages from Serious Case Reviews on cases where children have been killed or seriously injured consistently report that domestic violence, parental mental health problems and parental substance misuse are the most common family characteristics in such cases. These factors may exist separately but often co-exist.

It is essential therefore that social workers' practice in respect of domestic abuse is informed and confident.

Domestic abuse is intentional behaviour and is designed to ensure that one person has power and control over another. Most domestic abuse is perpetrated by men against women. However, domestic abuse can be perpetrated by women against men, within same sex relationships, by someone who is a carer to an adult or child and it can occur within all racial, religious and cultural backgrounds. Within this guidance therefore the term perpetrator and victim is used to encompass all forms of domestic abuse. Any assessment will need to recognise these diverse forms of domestic abuse.

2. Facts about Domestic Abuse

• Domestic abuse accounts for a quarter of all reported violent crime;
• Domestic abuse has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of all crimes. Victims will have experienced around 35 incidents before disclosing;
• Two people a week are killed by their present or former partner;
• Victims are at greatest risk when they leave or attempt to leave the relationship not only at the point of separation but for several months afterwards;
• Half of all victims are mothers;
• About a third of domestic abuse of women starts during pregnancy; where domestic abuse already existed, pregnancy causes it to escalate;
• Women aged 16-24 are at the highest risk of becoming a victim;
• More than a third of children affected by domestic abuse are aware it is happening. This increases as the abuse is repeated. 90% of children are in close proximity to a domestic abuse incident;
• In about two-thirds of domestic abuse there is also child physical and sexual abuse involving the same abusive partner. Agencies involved because of physical or sexual harm need to actively consider the possibility that domestic abuse is occurring;
• Domestic abuse can cause homelessness for the victim and children;
• Women who use mental health services have a high experience of domestic abuse;
• Alcohol is a contributing factor in a third of domestic abuse cases;
• 36% of domestic abuse occurs when the couple are no longer living together.

3. The Impact of Domestic Abuse on the Ability to Parent

Domestic abuse places victims in a position where they feel isolated, vulnerable and fearful. Self confidence may be eroded and the emotional effort of day to day parenting can become too exhausting to achieve as emotional energy is focused on the perpetrator. The parent is often referred to as "failing to protect the children". However social workers need to consider the situation of a parent who has been the victim of domestic abuse as the 'failure to protect' may result from a lack of emotional capacity to do this without support. 

 Ending any relationship is a stressful event, but where there is domestic abuse, the decision to do so is extremely difficult as the victim will have concerns about their own and any children's safety, about their ability to manage on their own and about accommodation and financial support.

Some victims are so concerned about not being able to manage a separation that they remain in the relationship, or are not able to maintain a separation as they are bullied or manipulated into a return home.

It is therefore essential that no victim is encouraged to separate from their partner without very careful assessment, planning and support leading up to and after the separation.

Where there are child protection concerns and the victim and children remain at home with the abuser, child protection agreements should include a clear support and safety plan for the victim and children.

4. Enabling Disclosure with Victims

A successful outcome for the parent and the children is greatly improved by being aware of the impact of domestic abuse and the risk factors, and presenting an open and non-judgemental attitude to victims who disclose. The victim may minimise the abuse as they may be fearful of the effect on the family, feel ashamed and embarrassed and self blaming, and feel very scared about what will happen. Where appropriate, the social worker may need to help the victim to develop insight into the fact that the abuse is not their fault or responsibility.

Any disclosure needs to be taken seriously and managed sensitively, as it is the first step to empowering the victim and supporting them to make plans for the future. However, where the children are at risk of Significant Harm, protection of the children must be the first priority. The social worker must be open with victims about any concerns they have about the children and take any necessary actions to ensure the children receive safe care.

5. Enabling Disclosure with Children

Children may find it very difficult to disclose what is happening within their family; they may be protective of both the victim and/or perpetrator; they may be a victim themselves, fearful of feeling responsible for what may happen next, and also may be under threat or coercion not to discuss home life with anyone. It is essential that children are spoken to on their own, and a clear explanation is given as to why a social worker may be speaking to them, and what the issues are around confidentiality. It is essential that children are spoken to in a clear and straightforward age appropriate language, and that they are reassured that they are not responsible for the situation. If there are any disclosures which evidence that the child is at risk of significant harm, safeguarding the child must take priority.

6. Risk Assessment

Not all domestic abuse cases involving children require a referral to children's social care. Early intervention may provide support more appropriately via a CAF Meeting that identifies a plan and a lead professional. To assist social workers in identifying what the relevant risk and protective factors may be a checklist is attached at Appendix 1: Risk Factors. A ranking of risk factors linked to Knowsley's Family Support Framework and therefore to appropriate levels of intervention is attached at Appendix 2: Domestic Abuse Levels of Risk Table.

A specific Risk Assessment Tool in respect of Domestic Abuse is attached at Appendix 3: Assessing the Impact of Domestic Abuse Form. The questions included will assist the social worker in raising the specific issues that need to be addressed in order to assess the level of risk to the children arising from the domestic abuse.

7. Safety Planning

Safety planning is key in safeguarding children and empowering victims.

7.1 Safety Planning with the Victim

Any safety plan must be linked to the level of assessed risk and the victim's understanding of the risks to themselves and their children.

Separation

Where there is evidence that the children may be at risk of significant harm, or that addressing the concerns with the perpetrator may increase the risk to the victim or children, then the plan should be one of separation. Support should be provided to enable this to happen safely.

The possibility of the abusive partner leaving the home should be explored first with the use of protective legal options that may be available to the victim. Alternative safe accommodation for the victim and children should be considered if the first option is not possible.

It is also important to assess how committed the victim is to a separation. If the victim is in any doubt, the plan is not likely to be successful and the relationship likely to be resumed.

Where this is a plan for separation, the safety of the children should be kept under review, and any increase in risk should lead to a re-assessment of the plan and the arrangements for the care of the children. It is important that the victim is aware that this may happen.

Under no circumstances should the perpetrator be given the victim's new address or contact details. Schools must be informed of the need not to allow the perpetrator to collect the children and why, and social workers should not act as a go-between between partners who have separated by passing messages, letters, gifts etc.

Where the children must be placed separately from the victim, it is essential that a referral is made to the VPU for the victim, as the actions may increase the risks from the perpetrator, and the victim's safety must be assessed.

Remaining with an Abusive Partner

Where the risk is at Levels 1 - 3, and the victim wishes to remain with the perpetrator, a safety plan should be agreed with the victim. Ideally the perpetrator should be involved in any safety planning. However, before making any contact with a perpetrator, the social worker should consider whether this increases the risks to the victim and children.

Where a perpetrator acknowledges their violent behaviour and seeks help, this must be encouraged and supported via referral to specialist services.

Detailed guidance on what may be included in safety plans where the victim remains with the abusive partner is given in Appendix 4: Safety Planning for Adults.

7.2 Safety Planning with Children

At Levels 1 - 3, subject to their age and level of understanding, children and young people can be supported to draw up their own safety plan. This helps children to understand how to keep themselves safe, and what support is available to them. The child needs to rehearse the safety plan as part of safety planning intervention.

Detailed guidance on what should be included in safety planning for children is given in Appendix 5: Safety Planning for Children.

Social workers should give the child no written material except the Childline or a safe significant other's contact details.

Where the risk ranking is at Level 4, the priority has to be to ensure the children's immediate safety which may be achieved by the victim and children moving to assured safe accommodation, or placing the children in a safe care placement.

8. Staff Safety

A violent abuser can be violent to anyone. It is essential that social workers are aware of the policy on safe working and avoid placing themselves in any dangerous situation. If it is believed that the perpetrator may be present and a risk to staff, a home visit should not be undertaken and arrangements made to contact and see the victim elsewhere.

If there is believed to be an immediate risk to the safety of the children, it may be necessary to undertake a home visit with police support.

Any risk should be communicated to all agencies who are involved with the family (e.g. schools, health visitor, GP).

Appendix 1: Risk Factors

Domestic Abuse Risk Factors

•  Perpetrator has history of domestic abuse/violence;
• Severe/long standing violence;
• Perpetrator has total control over victim/children;
• Perpetrator has no empathy with victim/children;
• Threats of suicide - may involve children;
• Attempting to leave or leaving - at point of separation and for several months afterwards;
• Conflict over contact;
• Pregnancy - 33% starts in pregnancy ; where already exists causes it to escalate;
• Young women 16 - 24;
• Alcohol/substance abuse by perpetrator/victim;
• Perpetrator/victim has mental health problems;
• Parent has no emotional resources left for parenting;
• Perpetrator/victim/children deny any problems;
• Recent family crisis - bereavement/job loss;
• Evidence of injuries/hospital treatment;
• Use of weapons;
• Destruction of emotionally significant items;
• Abuse of pets/animals;
• Very young children in household;
• Physical abuse of child - caught in abuse or intervening;
• Child also participating in physical and emotional control of victim;
• Poor school attendance/attainment;
• Child has few friendships;
• Child involved in spying on victim - particularly in contact issues;
• Perpetrator stalking/harassing victim;
• Frequent house/school moves;
• Victim and children are socially isolated - have few supports;
• Child's use of alcohol/substances;
• Low self esteem.

Domestic Abuse Protective Factors

• Child's resilience and capacity to self protect;
• Emotional warmth/capacity of protective parent, siblings and other family members;
• Regular support from extended family, school, services;
• Victim prepared to take advice on safety issues;
• Victim has insight into risks posed;
• Perpetrator/victim able to discuss concerns - no minimisation/denial;
• Perpetrator accepts responsibility and is remorseful/willing to address abusive behaviour;
• Victim/children able to implement protective strategies;
• Protective adult in household.

Appendix 2: Domestic Abuse Levels of Risk

Level	Risk Indicators	Response
Level 1 - Universal Services	1 - 3 minor incidents No medical treatment required Children not involved/protective adult able to attend to needs of children Older children used protective strategies Victim sought support Support available from family/friends Perpetrator accepts responsibility and is remorseful/willing to address abusive behaviour Victim emotionally strong	No additional support required
Level 2 - Need for Support. Identified Needs/Carer under stress	Minor incidents Minor injuries/no medical treatment required Children not involved but were present in home Evidence of intimidation/isolation Family members fearful Destruction of property Threats of harm/pushing and shoving of one family member by perpetrator Mental health issues - perpetrator/victim seeking help Child under 7 in family Victim willing to accept help	Referral to appropriate support from available services in community
Level 3 - Child Welfare Concern. Complex problems/Children may be at risk due to compromised parenting	History of assaults Incidents of physical violence Recent separation Stalking/harassment of victim/children Non-compliance with protective/contact orders Victim required medical treatment - not sought Frequent requests for police intervention Incidents witnessed by children Excessive jealousy/possessiveness of perpetrator Power imbalance in relationship Perpetrator minimises abuse Lack of empathy/insight by perpetrator of impact of behaviour on victim/children Recent stress factors - unemployment, bereavement Alcohol/substance abuse by perpetrator/victim - not accessing support Mental health issues - perpetrator/victim not seeking help Suspicion of physical chastisement of children Victim frightened of perpetrator Abuse of pets/animals Family socially isolated/few supports	Multi agency response via a CAF/Children's Services intervention
Level 4 - Need for Protection. High risk of family breakdown/Children experiencing significant harm	Repeated serious physical violence Life threatening violence Medical treatment required Perpetrator has criminal history of violence/assault Use of weapons Woman is pregnant Frequent request for police intervention Violation of protective/contact orders Threats to kill/seriously injure victim or child Alcohol/substance abuse by perpetrator/victim - not accessing support Children witnessed or were involved in abuse Absolute domination of family by perpetrator Sexual assault Sexual abuse of children - suspected or confirmed Lack of empathy/insight by perpetrator of impact of behaviour on victim/children Mental health issues - perpetrator/victim not seeking help Recent suicidal/homicidal intent expressed by perpetrator Young/vulnerable children Physical discipline of children Stalking/harassment of victim/children Perpetrator threatening to professionals Victim frightened of perpetrator Children unable to activate safety strategies for fear of perpetrator	Children's Services take action to protect children - through safe alternative accommodation/Sec 47/admission to local authority care

Appendix 3: Assessing the Impact of Domestic Abuse Form

Click here to view Assessing the Impact of Domestic Abuse Form

Appendix 4: Safety Planning for Adults

Safety Planning whilst remaining with an Abusive Partner

• If possible, try to get to a room or area you can exit - not a bathroom or kitchen;
• Have an extra set of keys and bag packed ready - maybe kept at the home of a safe friend/relative if you have to leave;
• If possible identify a neighbour you can tell about the violence and who will call the police if they hear a disturbance;
• Have a plan for where you will go if you need to leave home;
• Discuss with your children a safety plan for what they need to do during an incident (e.g.do not intervene, get away and get help);
• Practice ways you and your children can leave your home safely and in the dark;
• Don't run to where your children are as your partner may harm them as well;
• Make sure your children's school/nursery know who is authorised to pick them up;
• If you work make sure someone at work knows your situation;
• Keep a copy of any Court orders with you;
• Use your own instincts and judgment;
• Teach your children:
  • What to do in an incident;
  • How to call the police and a safe family member/friend;
  • That violence is never right.
• Take legal advice about your situation;
• Learn defensive tactics. Learn how to position your body to reduce damage - dive into a corner, curl into a ball, protect your face with your arms each side of your head, fingers intertwined;
• Do whatever you have to do to buy time/space to diffuse the situation and protect yourself and your children;
• If you can get a mobile phone, programme it for emergency calls and have a code word that triggers help;
• If possible open an account in your name and pay small amounts in;
• Keep a record of incidents/or tell someone who will keep a record, including: time, date what happened, witnesses, names and numbers of police officers, photographs etc;
• Remind yourself of your worth, positive coping strategies and strengths;
• Decide who you can talk openly with and who you need for support;
• Frequently review your Safety Plan.

On Making a Decision to Leave Take with You

• Identification;
• Birth certificates (for you and your children);
• National insurance card/number, passport etc;
• Health records - NHS card, school immunisation records etc;
• Money - including details of accounts;
• Medication;
• Legal Orders;
• Agreements about your home - rent books etc;
• Insurance papers;
• Jewellery/Valuables;
• Address book;
• Clothes, nappies, formula;
• Toys;
• Sentimental items.

Before you resume a potentially abusive relationship, discuss alternatives with someone you trust.

Appendix 5: Safety Planning for Children

• Get out of the way of any violence if you can;
• Find a safe place in the house. Identify where this is likely to be - it may be a room with a lock;
• If it's safe, phone the police. Tell them your name, address and what's happening;
• Know where the nearest phone is/Use a mobile/text to get help;
• Identify who else you can get help from in an emergency;
• Have an agreed code word with an identified protector to get help;
• It's OK to break rules to protect yourself e.g. say no, shout, kick and scream if you need help;
• Tell someone if you have been hurt. Identify who you would tell;
• Tell someone if a parent is hurt. Identify who you would tell;
• Talk to someone about what is happening at home if you are unhappy. Identify who you would talk to;
• Know brothers and sisters safety plans;
• Know where it is safe for you to go if you have to leave the house;
• Leave a bag of things that are important to you at a safe relative/friend's house;
• Let important people like a safe relative/friend, teacher, social worker know what your safety plan is.

End