Domestic Abuse
All staff need to read the research in chapter 9 (page 186) and the advice in chapter 11 (pages 202 to 205) in "Working Together to Safeguard Children".
Professionals should be aware of particular role of the West Mercia Probation Service, some details of which are included in the document library attached to these procedures.
Health Professionals must read “Responding to Domestic Abuse: A Handbook for Health Professionals"
Police Officers should refer to the guidance given by the NPIA available from their web site: http://www.acpo.police.uk/asp/policies/Data/Domestic_Abuse_2008.pdf
Domestic abuse is often concealed yet is likely to have a damaging effect on the health and development of children, so causing them to be seen as Children in Need. There is a frequent inter-relationship between domestic abuse and child abuse or neglect. (see NSF for Children, Young People and Maternity Services). Children witnessing domestic abuse are sometimes harmed, both by being caught up in the events and by the emotional harm of seeing or hearing the violence take place. Domestic abuse includes situations where a forced marriage is being enacted.
All workers must be aware of the possibility that, in responding to domestic abuse, any child of the family may be suffering from significant harm and may need to be referred in accordance with the section: "Managing Cases"; in these procedures. Staff should also be aware of the implications of Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC ) and of Multi Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA) in respect of domestic violence.
Equally, workers responding to children in need, including those who may have a need for protection, must be aware that there may be domestic abuse taking place which has contributed to the child's situation and which needs to be resolved. The Common Assessment Framework should be used to analyse the harm being caused and the need for further intervention.