Responding to Domestic Abuse

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.

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 2011. beating, scalding… 2009. 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 2004. 7-months. Serious case review, Dec 2011.

Domestic Abuse Safeguarding “Families” See LSCB or CWaCDAP website www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/domesticabuse Multi Agency Guidance for work with children experiencing Domestic Abuse Will be available soon Children’s Services Contact & Referral Team: 01606 275099

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

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.

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

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

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.