Domestic abuse

Any incident of domestic abuse by people aged 16 or over who are personally connected; such as a member of one's family or household, especially a spouse or partner. This may include other types of abuse such as physical or sexual abuse, economic, psychological or emotional abuse and controlling or coercive behaviour. For all situations involving allegations of domestic abuse completion of a Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment Risk Identification Checklist (DASH RIC) should be considered, as well as referral to specialist services.

Non-reportable concerns

Examples of isolated incidents where no other similar concerns have been identified and that do not need to be reported as a safeguarding concern include:

• Adult has capacity and no vulnerabilities/current fears identified.
• Adequate protective factors in place.
• DASH RIC assessment has identified standard or lower risk.
• Referrals that have already been made to specialist services.

Concerns requiring consultation

More serious incidents will require internal consultation, through relevant organisational policies and procedures and senior leadership as well as potentially through the Sussex Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures and other organisations being made aware.

Incidents at this level should be recorded, and internal policies and procedures followed. Consultation should be undertaken internally as well as through the Sussex.

• When children are present always make a children's social care referral.
• Referral to the local authority Adult Social Care department for a social care assessment.
• Complete DASH risk assessment (for some agencies, this may be dependent on training completed).
• Refer to specialist domestic abuse services for early intervention and support.
• Onward referrals to specialist support agencies.

Risk factors include:

• Contact with perpetrator has ceased, with no concerns this will be reestablished (it should be noted that the end of a relationship or ceased contact can increase the risk of domestic abuse).
• English is not a first language.
• Older adults may have experienced abuse over a long relationship.

Where there is abuse or risk of abuse relating to domestic violence and abuse and coercion and control, always consider raising a safeguarding concern.

Reportable concerns

Incidents at this level should be formally raised as a safeguarding concern with the local authority Adult Social Care department. Consideration should also be given as to whether the police or other emergency services need to be contacted. Ensure Think Family approach if children or other adults may be impacted.

In these cases, it is important that you consider additional actions to contacting the local authority. These include:

• RAISE SAFEGUARDING CONCERN
• If there is an indication a criminal act has occurred, the police must be consulted.
• Immediate safety plans must be implemented.
• Complete DASH risk assessment (for some agencies, this may be dependent on training completed).
• Refer to specialist domestic abuse services for early intervention and support.
• Onward referrals to specialist support agencies.

Examples of reportable concerns include:

• Recurrent patterns of violent and coercive/controlling behaviour, including verbal/physical assault.
• Unexplained marks or injuries on several occasions, such as bruising, cuts, fractures.
• Sexual activity without valid consent, including revenge porn.
• Continues to reside with or have contact with the perpetrator.
• Escalation of concern for safety.
• Isolation from seeing friends and family or support services.
• Disengagement from domestic abuse and/or other support services.
• In constant fear of being abused.
• Denial of access to medical treatment or care.
• Stalking or harassment, including cyber stalking.
• Forced marriage/Female Genital Mutilation.