This session will cover key domestic abuse definitions; advice around supporting survivors; an introduction to the DASH RIC (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence Risk Identification Checklist) and to MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference).

This session is designed to be accessible to professionals without previous knowledge of domestic abuse. It will give delegates the information needed to learn how to respond to domestic abuse disclosures and know where to signpost survivors to. There will be an introduction to the DASH RIC tool, which helps professionals identify high-risk cases of domestic abuse and act accordingly.

The event is targeted at any professionals who have safeguarding responsibilities. It is an important part of children’s safeguarding, as witnessing domestic abuse can have deep and long-term effects on their health and wellbeing. Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who witness domestic abuse are considered victims in themselves (even if the abuse is not directed at them).

Identifying domestic abuse and empowering survivors to seek support is crucial to preventing further harm to children’s
wellbeing. 20% of children in the UK have lived with an adult perpetrating domestic abuse.

The session will start with some key definitions of what constitutes domestic abuse. Delegates will be able to ask
questions, demystify the subject, and learn about the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which sets out the cross-organisational definition of domestic abuse. There will be a discussion about ‘red flags’ and more in-depth information about power, coercion and control within the context of DA.

There will then be a brief explanation of trauma and exploration of best practice in supporting survivors of domestic abuse. This covers an understanding of why people might stay in an abusive relationship, how to approach the topic in a trauma informed way, and how to empower survivors to change their lives.

Then, we will discuss what is the DASH RIC assessment, its purpose, and how to complete it. Delegates will have an opportunity to fill out the assessment based on a case study, discuss with colleagues, and ask questions about the assessment tool. This will be followed by a brief discussion of what the MARAC is and which cases meet its threshold.

The session will be closed with information about our service and other services that can support survivors of domestic abuse.

By the end of the session delegates will be able to:

• Identify/name domestic abuse ‘red flags’.
• Differentiate healthy, unhealthy and abusive relationship dynamics.
• List at least 10 high-risk factors in cases of domestic abuse.
• Confidently signpost survivors to domestic abuse support, which will in turn promote the safeguarding of children.

This session is for practitioners working in Kingston & Richmond.