If you or someone is in immediate danger you should call 999
If you or someone is in immediate danger you should call 999
Cambridgeshire County Council DASV Partnership

Guidance for professionals when making Domestic Abuse Enquiries with Clients

Key points for professionals when making domestic abuse enquiries
  • Ask everyone, Ask early, and Keep asking – it may take a while to build trust
  • Never ask when the potential perpetrator is in the room or nearby
  • Always ask in a confidential environment 
  • Do not use family members or members of the victim or abuser’s community as translators

  • Don’t ask just as a tick box exercise – show genuine interest. Actively listen, believe, reassure, don't criticise

  • Dont try to take control and don't make assumptions 

  • Ask open questions

  • Don’t sideline domestic abuse as not as important as other issues

  • Respond appropriately – ask what they would like you to do, ensure you know about signposting options

  • Explian what you will do next

  • Follow up – don’t assume that it has gone away because you asked

Suggested Questions

  • If you are calling  - Are you safe to talk? 
  • Is it safe to go home?
  • Are you frightened of your partner?
  • How are things at Home?
  • Do you mangae / cope at home?
  • Do you feel able to ask questions? Do you make decisions together? 

Safegaurding 

  • Has the immediatte safeguarding of those affected (including any children or adults at risk) been secured? Consider referrals to children's Social Care / Adult Social Care

Adult Socuial Care Referral form

Children's Social Care Referral form

  • Has consideration been given to completing a Dash RIC?
  • Has a safe way to contact the client in the future been extablished?

Initial Safety Planning 

  • Explain the use of 999 for emergencies 
  • Advise victims to prepare a bag in case they need to leave in a hurry; spare keys, money, clothes, bank cards, passport etc
  • Ask if a neioghbour knows of the situation and could be asked to contact the police in an emergency 
  • Consider the use of a code word / phrase with a family member / frined if assistance is needed in an emergency
  • Provide safety advice on the use of social media

Sign Posting

  • Explain options available depending on the risk - Outreach / IDVA / MARAC
  • Gain consent for referrasl - consent not required for a referral to MARAC but it is preferred that the victim is aware 
  • Provide details of any other services that may be able to provide support 
  • Provide details of the National Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0808 2000 247

Recording

  • Document how your service is supporting the victim 
  • Name of alledged perpertrator 
  • Relationship of alledged perpetrator to any children /adults at risk 
  • Details of referral made 
  • Details of any other signposting 

Please acces the link to view the Dash RIC SWAY 

Dash RIC SWAY

Translation and interpreter usage in domestic abuse cases.
Please see the guidance below on how to safely use interpretation and translation services when working with survivors of domestic abuse.
 


Unpaid Carers
 
Unpaid Carers, sometimes called Family Carers, can be subjected to domestic abuse from the person they care for.  On occasion, unpaid carers may also choose to abuse the cared for person. 
The guidance below has been developed as part of the Unpaid Carers and Domestic Abuse Project and explains the specific risks around domestic abuse in the context of caring relationships and things professionals should consider when working with carers.
It was written with involvement from a range of local agencies including CPFT, Healthwatch, Integrated Care Board, Adult Safeguarding and Caring Together.  

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