Domestic Abuse
Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse?
It can be difficult to determine whether there is parental conflict or domestic abuse between parents or carers.
However, it is important to identify correctly what is happening, so that the appropriate interventions can be considered.
The Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse? tool can assist practitioners with their decision making so that outcomes for children and their families can be improved. Click on the link below to access the tool.
Parental Conflict or Domestic Abuse? Tool
Signs, symptoms and effects
Find out more about the signs, symptoms and effects of domestic abuse:
Spotting the signs
What is domestic abuse?
The current definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
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
Controlling behaviour is defined as “a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour”. Coercive behaviour is defined as “an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim”.
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) is a monthly meeting focused on increasing the safety of high risk victims and their children.
Domestic Abuse Stalking & Harassment Risk Indicator Checklist (DASH RIC) RIC and stalking questions 2022
The purpose of the DASH RIC is to give a consistent and simple tool for practitioners who work with adult victims of domestic abuse in order to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm and whose cases should be referred to a MARAC meeting in order to manage their risk. If you are concerned about risk to a child or children, you should make a referral into iART to ensure that a full assessment of their safety and welfare is made. Guidance on the principles behind the DASH RIC can be found on the SafeLives website here and Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC).
TLC Programme
A programme for domestic abuse perpetrators has been commissioned called TLC - Aspiring to Change - TLC: Talk, Listen, Change
Aspiring to Change is a programme for men who use harm but want to examine their choices and build better relationship skills. The service report positive results (92% reduction in the perpetration of physical and emotional harm by men who have completed the programme) (statistic from their 23/24 annual report).