DOMESTIC ABUSE AND CHILD PROTECTION
PRACTICE GUIDELINES
1
First Published
September 2009
Reviewed
April 2012
Document available to download from:- www.inverclydechildprotection.org
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Contents
Page
1. Introduction and Acknowledgements
4
2. Defining Abuse
6
3. Recognising Abuse
8
4. The Role of the Worker
10
5. Domestic Abuse and the Impact on Children
13
6. Personal Safety
17
7. Scottish Legal Remedies to Protect Against Abuse
18
8. Domestic Abuse Bail Conditions in Inverclyde
19
Appendices Sources of Publicity Material
Appendix 1
Local Contacts
Appendix 2
Information for Victims
Appendix 3
References & Reading List
Appendix 4
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1.0
Introduction and Acknowledgements
There were 51,926 incidents of domestic abuse in Scotland recorded by the police in 2009-10 Source: Scottish Government 2010, Statistical Bulletin Crime and Justice Series: Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland. In 2004 it was estimated that aapproximately 100,000 children and young people in Scotland were affected by domestic abuse (Scottish Executive 2004). Although both domestic abuse and child protection have received considerable public attention in recent years, the overlap between them has not been adequately addressed. A number of studies have demonstrated the co-existence of child abuse in many situations of domestic abuse where children may be abused by the perpetrator or be accidentally injured in trying to protect the victim. Children exposed to domestic abuse, whether this is directly or indirect witnessing of abuse, for example seeing their mother's physical injuries following an incident of violence, may experience a range of negative developmental outcomes, emotional distress, and behavioural difficulties. Similarly there is increasing awareness of the increased risk of sexual abuse of children within homes where the mother is also being abused. At a national level the correlation between domestic abuse and child protection has been highlighted in the Safer Lives: Changed Lives: A Shared Approach to Tackling Violence against Women in Scotland. (Scottish Government 2009), The National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan for Children and Young People 2008 -2011 (Scottish Government) and the National Guidance for Child Protection 2010 (Scottish Government)To ensure that staff understand the links between child protection and domestic abuse, and are clear on their role, the Inverclyde Child Protection Committee has produced this guidance. These guidelines are intended to provide staff with a broad framework for providing support services to victims of domestic abuse and violence. They should encourage staff to broaden their knowledge and awareness of the issues surrounding domestic abuse in order to achieve positive outcomes for victims and their children. This is particularly relevant in the context of child protection. It has been shown that offering support, protection and empowerment to abused women is an effective form of child protection. Domestic abuse will be considered in the context of abuse by men against women, although it is accepted that the abuse can be directed at men by women and can occur in single sex relationships or be carried out by other family members. Women are far more likely to be victims than men, with incidents involving a female victim and a male perpetrator representing 82% of reported incidents. Source: Scottish Government 2010, Statistical Bulletin Crime and Justice Series: Domestic Abuse Recorded by the Police in Scotland. Police statistics evidence that year on year there has been an increasing number of men reporting experiencing domestic abuse. 7,938 men reported being abused by a female partner to the police in 2009/10. In 2009-10 there were 1,348 reported incidents of domestic abuse by same sex partners and ex partners; however it is acknowledged that there is under-reporting.
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These practice guidelines have been produced by Inverclyde Child Protection Committee to assist those working with victims and their children recognise and respond appropriately where domestic abuse is taking place. The Guidelines are based on the following document. • Scottish Executive (2004), Children and young people experiencing domestic abuse: Guidance notes for planners They have been approved by the Inverclyde Violence Against Women Multi Agency Partnership and are consistent with the principles and key priorities within the Inverclyde Violence Against Women Strategy 2012. This strategy document is broader in scope, addressing the wider violence against women agenda of which domestic abuse is one element.
Inverclyde Child Protection Committee would like to thank Renfrewshire Child Protection Committee, Greater Glasgow Training Consortium and NHS GGC for permission to use their material.
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2.0
Defining Abuse
It is often very difficult to accept prevalence of abuse within casework. It has been suggested that this is caused by a difficulty in defining violence against women or domestic abuse and to reach a single shared conclusion. Leaving the definition to chance has often meant that workers misunderstand or understand the impact that abuse has on its victims and on all parts of our society. The Scottish government recognises the importance of tackling this particular problem and that in order to achieve change, there should be a common language used by all agencies, departments and organisations. It has adopted the definition of violence against women as set out by the United Nations General Assembly and has clearly stated that the responsibility for progressing the strategies that prevent, protect and provide services lie with all private and public sector bodies. “Domestic abuse (as gender based), can be perpetrated by partners or ex-partners and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate women and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and other types of controlling behaviour such as isolation from family and friends) (Scottish Exec 2001) It is recognised that gender based violence encompasses a wider spectrum than domestic abuse. This can be further explored in Safer Lives: Changed Lives (Scottish Government 2009). Other specific issues are covered in other Inverclyde Child Protection Committee guidance. Issues within domestic abuse require particular consideration •
Children in families where domestic abuse occurs may be witness to, or also subject to domestic abuse.
•
Exposure to domestic abuse may cause significant harm to children and there is a correlation between domestic abuse and the mental, physical and sexual abuse of children.
•
Domestic abuse is a criminal, social and medical problem with serious consequences. It infringes on fundamental human rights and causes far reaching damage to people’s lives and development.
•
Domestic abuse occurs in all social, ethnic and cultural groups.
•
Victims from minority or vulnerable groups may also experience additional pressures such as discrimination
•
Minority ethnic women tend to suffer domestic abuse for a longer period before reporting it, with estimates showing that on average, it will take a minority ethnic woman ten years to leave a violent partner. They may also suffer abuse from the wider family as well.
•
A disabled victim may depend on her abuser for care and assistance in her everyday life.
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•
Domestic abuse is not caused by stress, unemployment, poverty, alcohol or mental illness, or by the victims who experience abuse.
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3.0
Recognising Abuse
The violence that victims and their children suffer may be actual, attempted or threatened and may encompass the different forms of abuse. Recognising that violence and abuse often escalates in frequency and severity over time is also crucial in shaping the understanding of, and responses to, victims and their children’s experiences of such abuse. Many women report the onset of violence occurs during pregnancy. 3.1
Types of Abuse
The following table gives examples of different types of domestic abuse.
Emotional Abuse
Physical Abuse
Verbal abuse
Slapping, pushing or kicking
Humiliation – often in front of the children
Hitting head off floors / walls
Controlling and monitoring the victim’s
Assaulting with a weapon e.g. stabbing
movements
Choking
Playing mind games
Threatened with a weapon
Distorting the victim’s sense of
Thrown downstairs
perspective
Head butting
Rejection
Holding under water
Denying the victim sleep
Neglect
Threatened with deportation
Suffocated
Extreme jealousy and possessiveness
Female Genital Mutilation
Arranged marriages without consent
Sexual Abuse
Economic Abuse
Rape (including vaginally, anally and
Keeping victim / children short of food /
orally)
clothing
Sexual assault
Controlling family income
Unwanted sexual intimacy
Not allowing the victim to work
Penetration with objects
Trafficking of victim for economic
Coercive involvement in acts of
exploitation or forced domestic labour
pornography or unwanted sexual acts Forced to get pregnant Forced to get an abortion or sterilised Prostitution
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3.2
The impact of abuse on victims
The impact of abuse and violence will be dependent on each victim and the circumstances she/he finds herself/himself in. It may include:•
Bruises, cuts and broken bones
•
Isolation
•
Non communicative
•
Increased tendency to suffer from depression or other mental health problems
•
Low self esteem and lack of confidence
•
Sleep problems
•
Suicide
•
Unwanted or repeated pregnancies
•
Miscarriage or still births
•
Difficulties in parenting and caring for children
•
Homelessness
•
Pelvic or severe menstrual problems
•
Increased sick leave from employment or forced to give up work or training
•
Unsafe coping strategy (self preservation) including drugs and alcohol misuse
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4.0
The Role of the Worker
4.1
Raise the Question
Under reporting is a constant feature of domestic abuse. Hall and Wright (2003) recount how only 25% of survivors of domestic abuse will report it to the police, 54% of cases reported to the police in 2007/08 involved repeat victimization while in 53% of homicide cases in Scotland over the last ten years, where a woman aged 16-69 was the victim, the main accused was the woman in question’s partner; (Safer Lives: Changed Lives 2009 Scottish Gov). In most cases the violence is rarely a one off incident and often the severity and frequency increases during the lifespan of the relationship. Victims therefore often suffer abuse for years before disclosing. Raising the subject of domestic abuse can be very challenging for some workers. Some of the reasons given are … •
I’m not an expert
•
It’s not in my job remit
•
I’d probably do more harm than good
•
I might say something wrong
•
We don’t have the time to give a victim long term support
•
She / he probably won’t want to discuss it - it’s private
The reality is that women have consistently said that they don’t mind being asked, that it gives them “permission to speak about their experiences, to be listened to, believed and not judged”. The following screening questions are only for guidance. Others may be more appropriate in specific circumstances •
Do you get support at home, who from and how often?
•
How does your partner help you?
•
Is everything at home all right between you and your partner?
•
We all have rows occasionally, tell me do you ever argue or row with your partner?
•
What happens when you argue or row?
•
Does your partner get jealous, and if so how does he behave when he is jealous?
•
Have you ever been in a relationship with anyone who ever hurt you?
•
Has anyone ever hit, punched, kicked or done anything that has hurt you physically?
•
Does your partner ever make you feel frightened or scared by his behaviour?
•
Does he/she call you names or shout or threaten you in any way?
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•
Where are your children when your partner behaves like this?
•
Does his behaviour ever frighten them?
•
Have they ever got hurt when he/she has been hurting you?
•
Many people tell me that their partners are not always nice to them, and can be cruel either physically or emotionally – does this ever happen to you?
•
You have a nasty looking bruise / cut / scratch / burn, can you tell me how they happened and when?
4.2
Have up to date and relevant publicity available
It is helpful to have information from support organisations on public display so that clients / patients know that this is a subject they can discuss with you. Relevant addresses and phone numbers should be made available to enable victims to get help with or without your support or knowledge. Be aware that it might not be safe for a victim to have information leaflets or cards in her/his possession so let her/him know where she/he can access the information safely. Sources of publicity material are given in (appendix 1) 4.3
Be Aware
Be alert to the possibility of domestic abuse if a client/patient is visibly injured, depressed etc. No matter what the circumstances or your own views or prejudices, don’t dismiss the possibility. 4.4
Be Approachable
Be approachable and make listening a priority. Ask open-ended non-threatening questions so that she/he has a choice about whether or not to speak about it. 4.5
Reassure
Say that this is a problem that you have come across before and that is why you are asking. This lets people know that they are not the only ones to suffer from domestic abuse. 4.6
Believe
Believe what you are being told. Don’t blame the victim for being in this position. Tell her/him that you believe her/him, that she/he doesn’t need to continue in this situation and that you want to help her/him. 4.7
Don’t Undermine
Don’t make her/him feel inadequate for not having sought assistance sooner. Allow her/him to go at her/his own pace. 4.8
Give Control
Victims whose lives have been controlled by abusive partners need the space to take control of their own lives. Support her/him, give her/him information and allow her/him to decide what to do.
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4.9
Build Confidence
Stress the strength she/he has shown in enduring the abuse and the courage she/he has shown in coming to you. Let her/him know you want to help and give her/him a realistic idea of what support you can offer if and when she/he is ready to take it. The confidence an abused victim needs to regain control over her/his life will take time to build. 4.10
Understand the Risks
Seeking help can be dangerous and very difficult so accept the victim’s evaluation of the danger of her/his situation. Don’t impose your subjective evaluation of the situation – you have no way of knowing what she/he has gone through. Many survivors reveal only a tiny proportion of the abuse they have suffered. 4.11
Record
Make a note of all incidents of domestic abuse when you are informed of them. This will be invaluable if the victim later needs it for legal protection etc. 4.12
Work Together
Seek advice from other specialist organisations (appendix 2). 4.13
Explain Confidentiality
It is crucial to reassure the victim you are working with about your commitment to confidentiality, assuring her that you will not discuss anything she tells you with her partner, or other members of her family. At the same time however, you should let her know that you cannot maintain that confidentiality if she or her family are in danger or if there are child protection issues.
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5.0
Domestic Abuse and the Impact on Children
Children in families where domestic abuse occurs may be witness to or also subject to domestic abuse. Exposure to domestic abuse may cause significant harm to children and there is some correlation between domestic abuse and the mental, physical and sexual abuse of children.
5.1
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Many public inquiries into the deaths of children in recent years have shown that the men responsible for the death of children have a history of violence towards their female partners.
•
Through violence in the home, children may suffer emotional and psychological damage. The very young may show physical signs of distress such as bedwetting, stomach-aches and disturbed sleep. Older children can become withdrawn or exhibit extreme behaviour, such as misusing alcohol or drugs.
Children’s responses to abuse
•
Anger – at the perpetrator or misdirected at other adults or children
•
Guilt – belief that they have caused the situation or should have done more to stop or avoid the situation
•
Isolation – feelings that no one will understand, will believe them or cares enough to listen and help
•
Fear – that the perpetrator will carry out threats or find them if they have escaped
•
Bed wetting –inappropriate to age
•
Exhaustion –appearing dozy or sleepy, listless and lifeless, day dreaming
•
Injury- as a result of abuse or self harm
•
Medical issues – asthma, eczema, hair loss, bowel disorders, headaches
•
Anxiety – self harm, low self esteem
•
Depression – withdrawal, suicide
•
Leaving home – loss of personal possessions, homelessness, leaving friends or family, poverty, social exclusion
5.2
Child Protection Any child protection investigation and assessment where domestic abuse has been highlighted should give consideration on how this has impacted on the child/ren.
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During any investigation children should be given the opportunity to talk about domestic abuse in their family and be told what is going on and involved in making decisions. In a study of children’s perspectives of domestic abuse, mothers were found not to be aware of how much their children knew about the abuse - approximately 1/3 of mothers thought that their children knew, whereas all children talked about knowing (Liz Kelly 2003) Where there are child protection concerns action must be taken promptly. To assist this process it is important that as much information as possible is provided on the basis for concerns. This should include:
Nature of concerns – knowledge of the family, assessment of harm/risk. This should be as detailed as possible drawing on the profile of significant factors and care pathway.
Information on involvement of other agencies
Whether child protection referral has been discussed with the woman
Any immediate danger that may be caused by involvement.
If a child or adult is in imminent danger than action must be taken immediately. 5.3
Assessment and Intervention Whilst the existence of domestic abuse per se does not necessarily require the instigation of child protection procedures, it should significantly increase the index of suspicion by any professional given the evidence of overlap between domestic abuse and the abuse of children and the emotional abuse that children suffer as a result. When undertaking assessment or planning for any child affected by domestic abuse, it is crucial that practitioners recognise that domestic abuse involves both an adult and a child victim. The impact of domestic abuse on a child should be understood as a consequence of the perpetrator choosing to use violence rather than of the non-abusing parent's/carer's failure to protect. Every effort should be made to work with the non-abusing parent/carer to ensure adequate and appropriate support and protection is in place to enable them to make choices that are safe for both them and the child. At the same time, staff should be maintaining a focus on the perpetrator and monitoring any risk resulting from ongoing abuse. The ultimate aim should be to support the non-abusing parent/carer in re-establishing a stable and nurturing home for the child; in the meantime, protecting the child may mean them having to live apart from the nonabusing parent/carer for a time. In such circumstances, staff should work to ensure as much stability and continuity for the child as possible. Agencies should always work to ensure that they are addressing the protection of both the child and the non-abusing parent/carer. (National Guidance for Child Protection in Scotland 2010) Risks to children are likely to be elevated where there are additional problems and stressors within the family, particularly in relation to addiction issues, chaotic lifestyles, homelessness and mental health issues. The vulnerability of children within these situations is heightened and requires careful assessment. Some groups of children have additional needs e.g. children affected by disability,
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children from minority ethnic groups or for whom English is not their first language. Although much of the literature reveals higher risk of developing behavioural, cognitive, and emotional problems for such children, this is not inevitable and will be mediated by a number of factors, principally:
Nature, frequency and severity of domestic abuse which varies within families, as does the extent to which child abuse co-occurs within those settings. Degree of exposure to such abuse will vary as will the degree of risk i.e. from relatively mild exposure to being in a situation of grave danger, including risk of severe injury or murder. Number of other stressors within the family e.g. parental addiction, mental health problems, homelessness Varying protective factors in children’s lives – children react differently; their coping skills differ; existence of wider family supports There is a wide variation in children’s responses – some exhibit no greater problems than peers not exposed to abuse whilst for others multiple levels of difficulty may arise which can necessitate clinical intervention. All of the above need to be considered as part of the response to children within domestic abuse situations. Assessment of risk should therefore include the above factors. For a child affected by domestic abuse, those undertaking the risk assessment (which will often be as part of a child protection investigation) should pay particular attention to the extent to which the child is exhibiting signs of distress, emotional disturbance or behavioural difficulties which may be associated with domestic abuse. The possibility of direct harm to the child by abuse from the perpetrator should also be investigated. There should be vigilance around issues such as threats to harm children, emotional manipulation of them, destruction of toys, harm to pets etc which indicate a propensity for harm. Assessment of developmental progress should also be undertaken to explore possible negative impacts of abuse. Getting it Right for Every Child is the Scottish Government’s practice model for meeting the needs of all children including those affected by Domestic Abuse. This model identifies the importance of a holistic assessment of the needs of vulnerable children and young people using a set of well-being indicators, the my world triangle and the resilience matrix to gather, structure and assist in the analysis of information to assist in preparing a child's plan. It also identifies the need for professionals from different disciplines and agencies to work together to achieve the best outcomes for the child. This approach is implemented in Inverclyde through the use of Integrated Assessment Framework tool and the appointment of a lead professional to co-ordinate this assessment and the preparation of the child’s plan with input from professionals from all relevant agencies. If required a core group of professionals, family members and the child if appropriate will be established to monitor and review the child’s assessment and plan, facilitated by the lead professional. It is important to note that assessment of risk and needs is not a one-off event. Circumstances change within families, and victims and their children may become more at risk over time. Where there is ongoing contact it is essential that the professional reviews the assessment and is alert to the possibility of such change, which will require further intervention.
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It is important that where there is suspicion about safety that action is taken to safeguard the welfare of a child.
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6.0
Personal Safety Plan
Many victims choose to continue to live with their abusive partners despite repeated assaults, deteriorating self-esteem, isolation from family and friends, threats of death and despite children living in constant fear. This decision can be confusing for workers who support abused victims and / or are requested to investigate / compile reports for child protection purposes. National statistics have suggested that it may take some women 35 attempts to finally leave this type of relationship and research carried out by organisations such as Women’s Aid also tells us that the period following the decision to leave is the most dangerous for her and the children. Victims choose to stay for different reasons. Their reasons will vary from victim to victim and may appear irrational. The decisions they make may appear unsound. However, some victims are faced with little real choice. Homelessness, no money, ill health, low self esteem, fear of the unknown, children who don’t want to leave or miss their friends / pets, change of schools, leaving family and friends – the list of reasons why victims stay is endless. There is little wonder why victims often feel compelled to return or stay because, put simply they have little choice. In incidences where a victim chooses to stay or return to an abusive situation the worker should consider assisting the victim to identify a personal safety plan. There are three distinct parts to the personal safety plan 1. staying in an abusive relationship survival 2. leaving an abusive relationship escape route 3. after you leave an abusive relationship staying safe Information for victims to help them produce a personal safety plan has been produced by Inverclyde Women’s Aid and is included in appendix 3. This can be downloaded as a stand alone document or photocopied and used as required. A list of useful local contacts is included in appendix 2.
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7.0
Scottish Legal Remedies to Protect Against Abuse
7.1
Court Orders
Which order is appropriate can depend on the urgency and seriousness of the case, on whether the victim has rights in the family home, and on the victim’s relationship to the abuser. 7.2
Interdict
It is open to anyone to ask the court to grant an interdict to prohibit someone from taking any course of action specified in the interdict. It is possible to obtain an interim interdict quickly. The interdict must specify exactly what behaviour is prohibited, and only becomes effective when served on the named person. A person who breaches an interdict is liable to be held in contempt of court, which could bring a penalty of up to two years in prison and / or a fine. However there is no automatic power for the police to arrest someone for breach of the interdict. 7.3
Protection from Abuse (Scotland) Act 2001
Allows a court to attach a power of arrest to any interdict granted for the purpose of protection from abuse. It allows the police to arrest without a warrant a person they have reasonable cause to suspect in being in breach of interdict, and if they consider that there is risk of abuse if they do not arrest the person in breach. The applicant does not need to be in any particular relationship to the abuser. 7.4
Matrimonial Homes (Family Protection) (Scotland) Act 1981
A person who is at risk of abuse from a spouse or an opposite sex partner can apply for a matrimonial interdict under the 1981 Act. The court can only grant such an interdict when both parties have rights to occupy the matrimonial home. It can prevent specified conduct by the abuser towards the applicant or a child of the family, or prohibit the abuser from remaining in the family home or the vicinity of the home. A power of arrest can be attached to the interdict. An exclusion order suspends the abuser’s rights to live in or enter the family home. The court must when granting an exclusion order, attach a power of arrest to any matrimonial interdict. Both the matrimonial interdict and exclusion order are available only to cohabiting opposite sex cohabitants if he or she is granted occupancy rights by the court. Such rights are only available for 6 months at a time. 7.5
Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Clients may be able to obtain a non-harassment order (NHO) under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. Such an order is available in the civil courts or through the procurator fiscal in the criminal courts. Breach of the conditions attached to an NHO is a criminal offence, punishable by up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine. The Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2003 introduced a statutory power of arrest for breach of an NHO.
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8.0
Police Response to Domestic Violence
Strathclyde Police is committed to providing a professional and consistent approach to the victims of domestic abuse. Force procedures for dealing with domestic abuse have evolved considerably over recent times. These changes have allowed the Force to provide a robust, victim centred approach, ensuring that vulnerable individuals receive the support and protection they deserve when faced with the trauma of domestic abuse. Strathclyde Police have compiled a toolkit 1 which aims to identify best practice when dealing with both the Victims and Perpetrators of domestic abuse incidents and to provide a framework for front line officers to follow. When responding to domestic incidents, where there is sufficient evidence, the perpetrator should be arrested, irrespective of the opinion of the victim. The perpetrator should then be detained in custody pending appearance at court on the next lawful day. Where the police have insufficient evidence to arrest the alleged perpetrator the officer will provide safety advice to victims along with comprehensive information regarding other support agencies able to provide assistance and a ‘Victim Information’ card detailing local contact telephone numbers for support information. Where the alleged perpetrator is released on bail, conditions are often applied to this release to protect the victim. K division (Renfrewshire and Inverclyde) now has a Domestic Bail Enforcement Strategy which will assist in the proactive policing and enforcement of domestic bail. Amongst other responsibilities police officers are required to:• Carry out unannounced visits during the applicable period of the perpetrator’s bail in relation to the places where the perpetrator is required to be and the place where they are excluded from. • Carry out regular enquiries to ensure that an offender does not contact or approach the victim or any other person specifically named on those bail conditions. • Reinforce to those offenders who are on Domestic Bail that :o It is the accused’s responsibility to comply fully with any bail conditions o Any breaches of bail will be treated as such, where those bail conditions are still in force. Bail conditions will be enforced, even where the victim and perpetrator state there has been reconciliation. K division (Renfrewshire and Inverclyde has also appointed a Domestic Violence Coordinator to target domestic violence offenders incorporating the governance of special bail conditions imposed upon domestic offenders.
1
Domestic Abuse Toolkit, Strathclyde Police December 2008
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Appendix 1
Sources of Publicity Information
Publicity Information on Domestic Abuse can be obtained from Organisation
Contact Details
Violence Against 01475 715912 Women Coordinator Inverclyde Women’s 01475 888505 Aid Inverclyde Child www.inverclydechildprotection.org Protection Committee
How To Obtain Resources Phone to discuss
Phone to discuss Resources catalogue and order form on web site
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Appendix 2 Local contacts A Alcohol
Abuse
Advocacy
Inverclyde Alcohol Services Alcoholics Anonymous Drinkline Scotland Inverclyde Social Work Services Strathclyde Police Children 1st Inverclyde Women’s Aid /Women’s Aid Outreach Inverclyde Women’s Aid Sexual Abuse Line Childline Inverclyde Advocacy Project
01475 715353 0845 769 7555 0800 731 4314 01475 714100 01475 492500 0141 418 5690 01475 888505 01475 888110 0800 1111 01475 730797
B Benefits
C Counselling/Support Services Court
Financial Fitness Team Money Matters Welfare Rights
01475 729239 01475 715965 01475 714461
RCA Trust
0141 887 0880
Sheriff Clerk Office Victim Information and Advice Inverclyde Victim Support
01475 787073 0844 561 3406
Inverclyde Centre for Independent Living Language Interpreting Service Inverclyde Women’s Aid Strathclyde Police Domestic Abuse Helpline Inverclyde Community Drugs Team Moving On National Drug Helpline
01475 714350
01475 787300
D Deaf / Hard of Hearing
Domestic Abuse
Drugs
0141 276 6850 01475 888505 01475 492500 0800 0271234 01475 499000 01475 735200 0800 776600
E Ethnic Minority
Gryffe Women’s Aid Language Interpretrers
0141 353 0859 0141 276 6850
Family Support Services Family Mediation Service
01475 714100 0141 332 2731
Homeless Service
01475 715880
Rape Crisis
0141 552 3200
F Family Support
H Homelessness
I Incest
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Interdict
Women’s Aid Sexual Abuse Services See ‘solicitors’ in phone book
01475 888110
MASA Men Against Sexual Abuse Men’s Aid Mankind Community Mental Health Team Breathing Space Samaritans
0141 550 2048
M Male Abuse
Mental Health
01334 474348 08707 944124 01475 558000 0800 838587 0845 7909090
P Parents Support Police Pregnancy Procurator Fiscal
Parentline Greenock Police Office Special Needs In Pregnancy Service Greenock
0800 0282233 01475 492500 01475 633777 0844 561 3000
R Rape
Refuge Accommodation
S Sexual Health
Archway Rape Crisis Centre Inverclyde Women’s Aid Sexual Abuse Service Inverclyde Women’s Aid Inverclyde Homeless Centre
0141 211 8175 0141 552 3200 01475 888110
Sandyford Inverclyde
01475 504978 (in clinic hours) 0141 211 8130 (outwith clinic hours)
Police Greenock Sheriff Clerk Officer
01475 492500 01475 787073
01475 888505 01475 715880
W Warrants
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Appendix 3
Information for Victims
This is information sheet has been provided for inclusion in this Guidance from Inverclyde Women’s Aid. It is useful in working with both female and male victims. The document is also available as a stand alone pdf that can be downloaded and given to victims.
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STAYING IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP SURVIVAL If you are in an abusive relationship here are some things to think about 1. Have important telephone numbers nearby for you and your children Numbers to have are: Police Domestic Violence Helpline Women’s Aid Friends GP Solicitor Benefits Agency School Bank Housing 2. Friends or neighbours you can tell about your situation. Ask them to call the police if they hear angry or violent noises. If you have children teach them to dial 999. Make up a code word that you can use if you need help. 3. How to get out of your home safely. Practice ways to get out. 4. Try to identify safer areas of your house where there are exits and no weapons. 5. If there are any weapons in the house try to think of ways of getting them out of the house. 6. Even if you don’t plan to leave right now, think of where you would go. Think of how you might leave – reasons for going out like walking the dog. Think about what you will need to take with you. 7. Go over your safety plan often. 8. Keep your plan in a safe place
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LEAVING AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP ESCAPE ROUTE If you consider leaving your abuser, think about… 1. Four places you would go if you leave your home. 2. People who might help if you left. Think about people who will keep a bag for you. Think about people who might lend you money. Make plans for your pets. 3. Keep change for phone calls or get a mobile phone. 4. Open a bank account in your own name – Consider getting the statements sent to a safe address. 5. Plan your escape route – Make up an excuse to leave the house. Consider travel arrangements. 6. What about your children – Is it safe to take them with you? 7. Put a bag together of the things you will use every day. Hide it where you can get it easily but difficult for him to find.
Items to take if possible •
Money
•
Bank books, credit cards
•
Insurance papers
•
Keys to car , house, work
•
Extra clothes
•
Medicines e.g. inhalers
•
Important papers such as birth certificates, passports
•
Social security information / benefit books
•
Pictures , photographs, personal items
•
Phone numbers
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AFTER YOU LEAVE AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP STAYING SAFE If you have left your abuser or you have put your abuser out of your home, there is still the need to be and to think safe. 1. Make sure you always have access to a phone. Make sure you always have a few pounds in credit if you have a mobile phone. 2. Take legal advice about interdicts, exclusion orders, access to children, sharing of property. 3. If a court orders him to stay away from you and the children, share this information with schools, friends and neighbours. Tell them to call the police if he comes near. 4. Get the locks changed – the community safety police will be able to give you advice on safety features. 5. You may have to think about places that he frequents and try to avoid him. 6. Have someone you can call if you are feeling down and lonely. 7. If your ex-partner must have access to the children – think of the safest way to do this. There are access centres at various places across Scotland.
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Appendix 4 References & Reading List Barnardo’s (2002) Bitter Legacy Barnardo’s Childcare Publications Department of Health (2005) Domestic Abuse Manual for Health and Social Care London DH Hall, T. and Wright, S. (2003) “Making it Count – A practical guide to collecting and managing domestic violence data.” Nacro, Crime and Social Policy Section London Humphreys, C. (2000) Social Work, Domestic Violence and Child Protection: Challenging Practice. Bristol Policy Press Humphreys, C. and Mullender, A. (2000) Children and Domestic Violence: a research overview of the effect on children. Dartington; Research in Practice McGee, C. (2000) Childhood Experiences of Living with Domestic Violence. London: Jessica Kingsley Publishers Mullender, A., Hague, G., Iman, U., Kelly, L., Malos, E., and Regan, L. (2002) Childrens’s Perspectives on Domestic Violence. London: Sage Mullender, A. and Morley, R. eds. (1994) Children Living With Domestic Violence: Whiting and Birch O’Hara, M. (1994) “Child Deaths in the Context of Domestic Violence: Implications for Professional Practice.” In A. Mullender and R. Morley (eds.) Children Living With Domestic Violence; Whiting and Birch Peckover, S. (2003) “I could have done with a little more help: an analysis of women’s help-seeking from health visitors in the context of domestic violence” Health and Social Care in the Community 11(3), 275 – 282 Scottish Executive (2004) Children and Young People Experiencing Domestic Abuse; Guidance for Planers Scottish Executive (2001) Preventing Violence against Women Scottish Government (2010) National Guidance for Child Protection In Scotland Scottish Government (2009) Safer Lives: Changed Lives: A Shared Approach to Tackling Violence against Women in Scotland. Scottish Government (2010) Statistical Bulletin Crime and Justice Series Scottish Government The National Domestic Abuse Delivery Plan for Children and Young People 2008 -2011 Vincent, S., and Daniel, B., (2004) An Analysis of children and young people’s calls to ChildLine about abuse and neglect, Child Abuse Review, (13), 158-171.
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