Domestic abuse
Signs, symptoms and effects
Find out more about the signs, symptoms and effects of domestic abuse:
What is domestic abuse?
The current definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- psychological
- physical
- sexual
- financial
- emotional
Controlling behaviour is defined as “a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour”. Coercive behaviour is defined as “an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim”.
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)
Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC) is a monthly meeting focused on increasing the safety of high risk victims and their children.
Domestic Abuse Stalking & Harassment Risk Indicator Checklist (DASH RIC) RIC and stalking questions 2022
The purpose of the DASH RIC is to give a consistent and simple tool for practitioners who work with adult victims of domestic abuse in order to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm and whose cases should be referred to a Marac meeting in order to manage their risk. If you are concerned about risk to a child or children, you should make a referral into iART to ensure that a full assessment of their safety and welfare is made. Guidance on the principles behind the DASH RIC can be found on the SafeLives website here Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferencing (MARAC)
Domestic Abuse Voluntary Perpetrator Programme
Are you a practitioner working with a perpetrator of domestic abuse? Is your client motivated to understand why they are abusive? Do they want to develop the skills required for a healthy relationship? If the answer is YES, please consider a referral to the Voluntary Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Programme – an accredited programme delivered by Cheshire Probation Trust. CDVP Referral form
HELP Programme
A new programme for domestic abuse perpetrators has been commissioned called HELP – facilitated by the Community Rehabilitation Company. It is a Healthy Relationships programme designed to take a preventative approach to domestic violence and abuse. The priority of HELP is to foster the development and maintenance of healthy relationships. It outlines key elements of positive role models and explores the values, attitudes and skills that are reflected in them. HELP is designed for individuals who have been identified as experiencing difficulties as a result of unhealthy relationships and who are willing to engage in order to benefit from the guidance and support offered on the programme. The programme is aimed at male and female perpetrators over 18 years of age. For further information and how to refer to the programme, a copy of the HELP Referral form and Information leaflet are below: