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Key considerations when working with domestic violence
This page looks at the key things that need to be considered when working with cases of domestic violence to ensure that the people at risk and staff involved remain safe.
- The person causing harm through the alleged domestic violence should not be informed of the domestic violence disclosures or of the referral to the MARAC.
- Professionals should not attempt to mediate in cases of domestic violence, but should rather provide the individual who is experiencing the violence with information about specialist domestic violence services, where safe and appropriate to do so.
- A CAADA-DASH domestic violence RIC should be undertaken with the adult at risk and must not be conducted in the presence of the person alleged to have caused the harm. This principle also applies when conducting any needs assessment or mental capacity assessment.
- For those unable to speak directly to the adult at risk to complete the risk assessment, a referral can still be made to the MARAC based on the risks identified based on professional judgement.
- Positive intervention is an active approach to taking steps to reduce the risk. This may be done with or without the consent of the adult at risk, particularly where the risk of harm is regarded as high.
- Consideration should be given to the context of the abuse. The interventions need to be proportionate to the risks identified having regard to the intent or motivation of the person causing the harm, for example, inadvertent harm caused by a carer.
- When gathering information regarding the person alleged to have caused the harm, it is imperative that intelligence checks, history and background enquiries are made of appropriate agencies to ensure that when conducting the risk identification and assessment process, this is based on best information to enable effective intervention and defensible decisions. Identified risk factors and appropriate interventions to manage risk will be discussed at the strategy meeting.
- Any activity connected to the person alleged to have caused the harm needs to be mindful of any potential risks that it may pose. It is not a requirement in all cases to disclose information that is held if it will increase the risk.
- Sensitive information about the alleged person who has caused the harm can be shared under Section 115 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and the Data Protection Act 1998, provided that criteria outlined in the legislation are met.
- The consent of the adult at risk must be obtained before sharing any information with relatives or friends. If the adult at risk has given consent but by sharing the information the risk to the person concerned is raised then the information should not be shared until that risk is removed.
- Doing nothing is not an option.