1. Responding to Domestic Abuse

2. A working definition
“Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality” – Home Office
Domestic violence is rarely a one-off incident and should instead be seen as a pattern of abusive and controlling behaviour through which the abuser seeks power over their victim (DoH)
Includes
Forced marriage
Female genital mutilation (FGM)
So called “honour” based violence and killings
Elder abuse when committed within the family or by an intimate partner.
An adult is defined as any person aged 18 years or over.

3. Why address domestic abuse?
Christine Chambers and Ian McNicholl’s partner daughter Shania, shot by was sentenced to 7-years ex-partner David Oakes for domestic violence - June beating, scalding… Extensive harrassment, Essex. Mary Russell, 81yr old woman Dec 2011 murdered by “frail” husband Parents of Shafilea Ahmed charged (now deceased). 8 “999’s” in with her murder in months. Serious case review, Dec 2011.

4. Domestic Abuse
Safeguarding “Families” See LSCB or CWaCDAP website Multi Agency Guidance for work with children experiencing Domestic Abuse Will be available soon Children’s Services Contact & Referral Team:

5. Think Family
The three central imperatives of any intervention for children living with domestic violence are:
To protect the child/ren, including unborn child/ren;
To empower the mother to protect herself and her child/ren; and
To identify the abusive partner, hold him accountable for his violence and provide him with opportunities to change

6. Parental Challenges or “Toxic Trio”
Domestic Violence
Substance Misuse
Mental ill-health
Working together to safeguard children 2010, section 9.19, DfES
Munro Review of Child Protection, Exec Summary Point 9
The association between child abuse and neglect and parental problems, such as poor mental
health, domestic violence and substance misuse, is well established.

7. Think Family Safeguarding Children
Everyone working with women and children should be alert to the frequent inter-relationship
between domestic violence and the abuse and neglect of children…
There may be serious effects on children who witness domestic violence, which often result in
Behavioural issues
Low self esteem
Depression, absenteeism
Ill health
Bullying
Antisocial or criminal behaviour
Drug and alcohol misuse
Self harm and psychosocial impacts.
HM Government (2010) Working Together to Safeguard Children, Section 11.80, DfES

8. Safeguarding Children
NSPCC Serious Case Reviews (death or serious injury of a child)
Of the 130 SCR’s relating to children under one (published since the beginning of 2008, covering England and Wales) at least 94 involved one or more of: domestic violence, substance misuse or
mental health issues.
Domestic violence was a factor in at least 60 of these cases
Substance misuse was a factor in at least 46 of these cases
Parental mental health was a factor in at least 34 of these cases

9. Good Practice Asking the Question - SAFELY
Professionals should ask direct questions about domestic violence and be alert to the signs that a child or mother may be experiencing domestic violence or that a father/ partner may be perpetrating domestic violence. Similarly, professionals should ask young people direct questions about whether they are experiencing intimate partner violence. Where it is believed that a child is being abused those involved with the child and family should check whether there is domestic violence within the family or in a young person’s partner relationship.