People who are harmed
Why?
The impact of domestic abuse can be devastating and enduring. Some people who experience domestic abuse may be unable to recognise they are in an abusive relationship and some may have significant barriers to reaching out for help. Some of the barriers can be emotional such as fear, self-blaming and guilt. This can be further challenging when there are children involved. Physical barriers such as housing, substance misuse and finances often prevent people from engaging and feeling safe.
There are certain groups which have barriers to accessing support for domestic abuse. This includes male victims, those who identify as LGBTQ, clients with disabilities, and those from ethnic and cultural groups. People living with dementia may find it difficult to report abuse or to make choices about how they would like it to be managed.
This strategy aims to put people who have been harmed at the centre of our response to domestic abuse. We want to work with people who have been harmed and provide services for them that are flexible and respond to risk. We will ensure that people who are harmed are offered the right service and the right time to reduce repeat victimisation.
How?
Taking a whole-systems approach to tackling domestic abuse requires us to work across and within our respective organisations. Developing a unified and cohesive approach is necessary for us to realise our vision. There is national guidance which supports domestic abuse system design and best practice including that from Safe Lives Local. We will ensure that service delivery is evidence-based thereby ensuring efficacy.
There is also domestic abuse guidance in relation to how health services, social care and the organisations they work with, can respond effectively to those experiencing or perpetrating domestic violence and abuse, from the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence (NICE).
The Local Authority Domestic Abuse Intervention and Prevention Service (DAIPS) provides interventions for people who have been harmed by domestic abuse at a range of risk levels. We adopt a trauma informed response to domestic abuse intervention, using motivational interviewing and shared language to ensure people who are harmed, and their families receive a response that is tailored to their needs.
The Care Act specifies freedom from abuse and neglect is a key aspect of a person’s wellbeing. Statutory guidance issued in conjunction with the Care Act 2014 states that abuse takes many forms, and that a wide view should be taken of what constitutes it. In a non-exhaustive list, it includes domestic abuse, and this forms the basis of the gateway to request an assessment of need through the Council's adult services.
This strategy endorses the use of evidence-based programmes to support recovery. Within west Cheshire the Gateway Programme recovery group is endorsed. Gateway is a seven-week programme built on the principle of respect and empowerment whilst raising awareness of the impact and dynamics of controlling relationships. It helps raise awareness of risk and encourages safer and more informed choices for those who have been harmed in the future.
The Council commissions provision which consists of traditional refuge accommodation for people who are harmed and their children and a number of dispersed properties across west Cheshire.
It is acknowledged that sometimes people who are harmed do not wish to uproot their lives and where it is safe to remain, adaptations can be made to homes to make them safer, some of the measures are window and door locks, reinforced doors, security lighting and CCTV. The Council will continue to commission target hardening to support people to remain in their own homes when it is safe to do so. Additionally, Registered Social Landlords also support their tenants with some safety measures. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service conduct Home Safety Assessments and will fireproof letterboxes to reduce the risk of domestic arson.
Parenting programmes which instil self-worth, self-respect and emotional literacy in both parent and child have demonstrated positive outcomes for healthy relationships. We will ensure these components are evident in our work with parents.
HBV and Forced Marriage can co-exist and are recognised as forms of domestic abuse because of the coercion and violence that is perpetrated. HBV refers to an incident involving violence, threats to harm, intimidation and coercion that has been committed to protect or defend the honour of a person, family, or community for alleged or believed breaches of acceptable behaviour. Incidents of HBV occur when it is believed that the person has brought shame upon their family or the community. HBV is not connected to any specific communities and can be seen in many cultures, faith groups and nationalities. There may be more than one person who harms in HBV and in some cases whole communities.
In the context of Honour Based Abuse the Council links with Karma Nirvana for expert advice and support to victims regarding HBV and Forced Marriage (Karma Nirvana, helpline 0800 5999247)
Forced Marriage is a marriage entered into without the full consent of one or both parties and threats, violence and forms of coercion are used to enforce the marriage takes place. It is believed to be a hidden crime. There is a dedicated Government Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) to protect people who are being forced into a marriage and if there are threats, they are going to be taken out of the country. The FMU is a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office unit which operates both inside the UK (where support is provided to any individual) and overseas (where consular assistance is provided to British nationals, including dual nationals). Cheshire Police and local agencies link with the FMU when required. FMU operates a public helpline to provide advice and support to victims of forced marriage as well as to professionals dealing with cases.
We want every investigation and prosecution relating to domestic abuse to be conducted thoroughly and professionally and those who are harmed to be supported on their journey through the criminal justice system. Cheshire Police works closely with all agencies to support people who are harmed by domestic abuse and their families. They have specially trained officers to meet the need of people who are harmed and challenge the behaviours of those that harm. The Police have specific powers to protect people from further harm; these powers have been enhanced by the recent Domestic Abuse Act.
Gaining feedback from people experiencing or who have experienced domestic abuse is so important in shaping a service and giving people a voice. Community provision and support is patchy in west Cheshire. Following the Needs Assessment, it is recognised that strengthening the role of services users in the development of services is a priority. All services are committed to ensuring that the authentic voice of those who have been harmed is heard and influences service delivery.
Where appropriate and where services are not available through collaborative working, services will be commissioned, and consideration will be given to joint and sub regional commissioning.