Domestic violence and abuse

Consider the following high-level principles every time you meet a family or enter their home to visit. This will help you successfully identify risk factors. You should:

• respect the right to live without violence (zero tolerance to violence or abuse in the family)
• act immediately on disclosure and respond to risks
• ensure child safety is paramount and consider the child's rights to live safely
• ensure right to positive family life (does not override safety)
• ensure adult safety is a priority
• consider also the needs of the perpetrator as this can increase the safety of the victim
• use sensitivity (we should respect differences but avoid using them as an excuse for accepting violence, abuse or harmful practices such as infant circumcision or female genital mutilation (FGM))
• consider the rights of the child and young person and ensure that every intervention is child focused whilst providing support to the whole family
• work to clear local protocols and be aware of local services and referral pathways
• consider rights of the family to remain a family (restore /repair work)
• give support if a child is in care following domestic violence

You should:

• never assume someone else is addressing the domestic violence and abuse issues
• enquire sensitively - create an opportunity, providing a quiet environment where the person can talk about their experience confidently
• remember it is not the professional’s role to comment on or encourage the person to leave their partner
• be familiar with, and give relevant information about, local domestic violence agencies if it is safe to do so - if a person does not disclose an issue but you suspect otherwise, accept what is being said but offer other opportunities to talk and consider giving information (for example, ‘for a friend’)
• focus on safety - assess the immediate safety of the parent and child by asking if it‘s safe for them to return home with their child by speaking with MASH
• discuss and construct a basic safety plan if necessary
• document any suspicion of domestic violence and abuse in records
• check where and how to send safe correspondence (for example, texting)
• be familiar with local child protection procedures and use as appropriate
• share information appropriately subject to policy on child protection and adult safeguarding
• encourage informal information exchange, such as children’s centres/schools
• be aware of, and provide information on, the laws around female genital mutilation (FGM) and safeguarding if appropriate
• use professional interpreters when required, never family members, friends or children
• be aware of your own safety needs
• at every visit, listen, assess, action, document

Domestic violence and abuse has an impact on children and young people. As well as the fear of hearing and seeing it, they can worry about others affected by it. You must:

• know how to talk to children and young people about abuse
• gather accurate information to show a picture of the child or young person's lived experience

It is important for professionals to learn from local and national case reviews.

You need to incorporate such learning into daily practice.

This will ensure no missed opportunities when responding to someone’s request for help or if you have concerns for their safety.