Wakefield Council Children and Young People’s Services

Guidance for Practitioners Domestic Abuse and Young People

© Wakefield Council March 2014

Contents

Page 3

Introduction

Page 4

Background Information

Page 5

Identifying Risk

Page 7

Key Messages for Professionals

Page 8

What to do next

Page 12

Young People Using Violence and Abuse in Close Relationships

Page 13

Support

Page 14

Local and national contacts and services

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1

Introduction

1.1

The purpose of this document is to provide support and guidance to practitioners and managers in relation to any situation in which a person aged below eighteen appears to be experiencing harm that arises as a result of abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend.

1.2

The guidance has been written to support practitioners to:

1.3

•

Protect young people from harm arising from abuse by a boyfriend or girlfriend

•

Understand the particular issues which influence the safety and welfare of young people children and ensure these are acted upon

•

Ensure young people experiencing domestic abuse receive the same level of protection from harm as other young people

•

Recognise that safeguarding young people who are at risk due to domestic abuse depends on effective information sharing, collaboration, shared expertise and understanding between agencies and professionals

This guidance document is designed to supplement existing procedures for the investigation of suspected abuse and neglect. These procedures can be accessed at: www.proceduresonline.com/westyorkscb (section 3).

1.4

The most important message for all professionals is that any person under 18 who is experiencing physical, sexual or emotional abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend is likely be at risk of significant harm and should be subject to child protection procedures aimed at assessing risk and taking steps to protect them from further harm.

1.5

The Home Office definition of domestic abuse is now extended so that young people aged 16 and 17 are included. Extending the definition will increase awareness that young people in this age-group experience domestic violence and abuse, encouraging more to come forward and access the support they need – for example, speaking to someone about the abuse or contacting a helpline or a specialist service. (See Appendix C)

1.6

New Definition The definition of domestic violence and abuse now states: “Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:

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• • • • •

psychological physical sexual financial emotional

“Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. “Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.” * This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called 'honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

1.7

The Home Office advises that anecdotal evidence shows there are worrying high levels of acceptance of abuse in teenage relationships: "At present, domestic violence committed against a person under 18 would be considered child abuse by most services. Whilst this may be appropriate for children experiencing parental or family-based violence, there is the suggestion that the nature of teenage relationships is often more similar to relationships between adults and as such could be considered an extension of adult domestic violence."

2

Background Information

2.1

A survey of teenagers during 2009 by the children's charity NSPCC found that 75% of girls and 50% of boys experienced some form of emotional abuse, 31% of girls and 16% of boys experienced some form of sexual abuse and 25% of girls and 18% of boys some form of physical abuse at least once in their life time. Three-quarters of the girls surveyed who had a partner at least two years older than themselves, said they had experienced some form of physical violence.

2.2

In 2009, the University of Bristol and the NSPCC published a report1 looking at the issue of partner violence in teenage intimate relationships. The research explored with young people their experiences of physical, emotional and sexual forms of violence in their partner relationships, including their coping strategies and views on intervention. The survey findings clearly show that violence in young people’s intimate relationships should be viewed as a significant child-welfare problem.

2.3

A central issue concerns gender. Girls, compared to boys, reported greater incidence rates for all forms of violence. Girls also experienced violence more frequently and described a greater level of negative impacts on their welfare.

2.4

The research also found that younger participants (aged 13 to 15 years old) were as

1

‘Partner exploitation and violence in teenage intimate relationships’ by Christine Barter, Melanie McCarry, David Berridge and Kathy Evans Sept 2009

4

likely as older adolescents (aged 16 and over) to experience particular forms of violence. The majority of young people either told a friend about the violence or told no one. Only a minority informed an adult. 2.5

Associated factors, both for experiencing and instigating teenage partner violence, included previous experiences of child maltreatment, domestic violence in the family and aggressive peer networks. For girls, having an older partner, and especially a “much older” partner, was associated with the highest levels of victimisation.

2.6

The Crime Survey 2011/12 for England found that young people aged 16 – 19yrs were more likely to suffer partner abuse than any other age group, with 12.7% of females and 6.2% of males in this age group having experienced some kind of domestic abuse in the last year. (reference 2, page 4 in H/O doc)

2.7

A Home Office impact assessment has estimated that as many as 5,280 high-risk teenage girls could be referred to multi-agency panels involving the police, domestic violence advisers, children's services, health and housing professionals, as a result of the move to improve their safety.

2.8

Young people’s experiences of violence • Young people often have differing and sometimes naïve views about definitions of ‘domestic violence’, consent, power and control etc. • Young women aged 16–24 are the group at highest risk of experiencing domestic violence. • Young people are more likely to experience abuse from peers. • Adolescents can be more accepting and dismissive of abusive behaviour than their adult counterparts. Taken from “Improving safety, reducing harm: children, young people and domestic violence” (Department of Health 2009)

3

Identifying Risks

3.1

Protective Factors It is important to remember that many young people are incredibly resilient and that certain factors can help to protect them from abuse, including: •

achievement at school

•

a safe haven

•

support from positive role models, friends/mentors

•

the belief that others have high expectations of them

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•

physical, emotional and economic security

•

decision-making capabilities

•

assertiveness (internal and external)

•

awareness of legal rights

•

awareness of how to form healthy relationships

Taken from “Improving safety, reducing harm: children, young people and domestic violence” (Department of Health 2009)

3.2

However professionals should be aware that any young person, regardless of gender, background, sexuality etc. can experience abuse within a relationship and the experience may have both immediate and long term effects on young people.

3.3

In addition, certain groups of young people may be more vulnerable to any form of abuse or may be less able to tell someone about it. These groups could include:

3.4

•

Young people with a history of running away from home

•

Young people in care of the local authority and care leavers

•

Young people who have disengaged from education

•

Young people with limited social networks

•

Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or who are questioning their sexuality

•

Young people with troubled or unstable family backgrounds or limited family support networks

•

Young people involved with gang culture

•

Migrant children

•

Trafficked children or those who are being sexually exploited

•

Young people with a disability

•

Young people who use drugs and alcohol or who are in a relationship with someone who does

Barriers to disclosure Abuse within teenage relationships is often difficult to identify. Young people are often reluctant to disclose concerns and sometimes this is because:

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3.5

•

Young people may think that what is happening is normal and do not recognise behaviour as abusive

•

They will often have positive feelings or loyalty to the abuser

•

Young people may have a romanticised view of “love”

•

They may tend to discuss concerns with friends rather than adults

•

They may be under pressure (directly or indirectly) from peers

•

Young people may want independence from parents or adults and can sometimes keep relationships a secret

•

They may have difficulty avoiding their abuser e.g. because they attend the same school. This can increase their sense of fear or entrapment

•

They will often be afraid of the consequences of disclosure for example repercussions from the abuser or concern about the involvement of agencies such as social care and police.

Some of the following “warning signs” may seem like normal teenage behaviours and often they are. Many young people will display these behaviours at some time during their adolescence as part of normal development. However some of the latter warning signs in this list are clearer or more direct indicators of abuse. If you identify that a teenager is displaying some of these warning signs, this may be an indicator of abuse within a relationship, particularly if there has been a dramatic change in their behaviour. Please note that this is not a definitive list: •

No longer spending time with their friends and becoming isolated

•

Becoming withdrawn or quieter than usual for them

•

Becoming unusually irritable or angry when asked about their relationship or their boyfriend/girlfriend

•

Sudden or unexplained mood changes

•

Truancy or falling grades at school

•

Seeming to become more insecure or lacking in self-esteem and confidence

•

Making excuses for their boyfriend or girlfriend

•

Appearing to need to defer decisions to their boyfriend or girlfriend or appearing afraid of them

•

Physical signs of injury that are unexplained or seem suspicious

•

Self harm or suicide attempts

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•

Information shared by a third-party e.g. friend, other professional etc.

•

Direct disclosure by the victim

4

Key Messages for Professionals

4.2

Professionals should be open to the possibility that any young person they are working with may be subject to abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend and should use their knowledge of the young person, together with the “warning signs” listed above, to make an assessment where they have a concern.

4.3

In some cases, there may be clear indicators of domestic abuse (for example a disclosure or a witnessed event or injury) and in such cases child protection procedures should be followed.

4.4

In other cases, warning signs may be present but less obvious and further work may be needed to establish whether the young person may be at risk. For example, it may be identified that a young person who has become withdrawn and isolated has additional needs but that these do not arise from domestic abuse.

4.5

At this point, you will need to take steps to try to identify what the problem is and use your skills in communicating with young people. Please be aware however that young people are unlikely to disclose domestic abuse easily.

4.6

Alternatively, if you feel that another professional may be in a better position to talk to the young person, it may be a better approach to facilitate this. For example, if the young person has a particularly good relationship with another professional then it may be more appropriate for such a person to try to speak to the young person.

4.7

Talking to young people about issues relating to abuse is not always easy. Some additional guidance around suggested questions that professionals can ask is included below however these are not definitive and professionals should use their judgment based on the young person and the approach that is likely to work best. Initial Suggested Questions: •

Is everything all right at home?

•

How are you feeling?

•

Are you getting the support you need at home?

Suggested Direct Questions: •

I noticed a number of bruises/cuts/scratches/burn marks: how did they happen?

•

Do you ever feel frightened of boyfriend/girlfriend?

8

•

Have you ever been afraid of your boyfriend/girlfriend?

•

Does your boyfriend/girlfriend ever treat you badly such as shout at you, constantly call you names, push you around or threaten you?

•

Have you ever been in a relationship where you have been hit, punched, hurt in any way? Is that happening now?

•

Many people tell me that their boyfriend/girlfriend is cruel, sometimes emotionally and sometimes physically hurting them – is this happening to you?

•

We all have rows at times in our relationships. What happens when you and your boyfriend/girlfriend fight or disagree?

•

Has your boyfriend/girlfriend ever:
Destroyed things you cared about?
Threatened or abused your child/children (where applicable)?
Forced sex on you/made you have sex in a way that you are unhappy with?
Withheld sex/rejected you sexually in a punishing way?
Used your personal fears to torture you?
Stalked you?

•

Does your boyfriend/girlfriend get jealous and, if so, how does he/she then act?

•

You mentioned that your partner uses drugs/alcohol. How does he/she act when drinking or on drugs?

•

Your boyfriend/girlfriend seems very concerned and anxious. That can mean he/she may feel guilt. Was he/she responsible for your injuries?

Adapted from Dr Iona Heath (2000)

4.8

In 2012 Women’s Aid and the Home Office worked together to produce a toolkit primarily for use in schools aimed at raising the issue of teenage domestic abuse and helping teenagers to make safe choices in relationships. Although primarily aimed at the classroom, this document provides a useful source of advice to any professional who is working with a young person who may be at risk of abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend. The pack can be downloaded at: http://www.justice.gov.uk/youth-justice/effective-practice-library/expect-respecta-toolkit-for-addressing-teenage-relationship-abuse

4.9

A recent piece of work undertaken by the Children in Care Council has provided some key messages for social workers from young people. Some of these are relevant to any professional who works with young people and some messages from young people are included here to support professionals in any agency to talk to a young person if they are concerned about abuse from a boyfriend or girlfriend:

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4.8

•

Although young people appreciate empathy they do not want professionals to say “I know how you feel” but they do want professionals to actually ask them how they feel and take the time to listen and understand

•

Young people want to feel valued and are less likely to talk if the professional they are talking to seems to be in a rush to get to another appointment or only has a short time to talk to them

•

They do appreciate people being direct with them and not “beating around the bush”

•

They like to be told what will happen next

•

Note-taking, files and folders etc. can sometimes be a barrier to them saying how they feel when they are with a professional

Important Guidance Please bear in mind that making enquiries could potentially increase the risk. For example speaking to their boyfriend or girlfriend may increase the risk to the young person. In addition, speaking to their friends may also result in peer pressure or breach of the young person’s privacy and confidentiality. Therefore professionals should be cautious about who they talk to and how.

4.9

It is important to not forget the role of parents or carers in protecting their children. They may have their own concerns and may also be in a position to speak to the young person themselves and find out more.

5

Issues relating to confidentiality

5.1

This guidance is written on the understanding that those working with this group of vulnerable young people will naturally want to do as much as they can to provide a safe, accessible and confidential service whilst remaining aware of their duty of care to safeguard them and promote their well being.

5.2

The concept of a ‘confidential relationship’ is recognised by law. Certain professions have an obligation of confidentiality by the nature of the relationship that exists between the worker and client. A young person therefore has the right to have their confidence respected. However in all cases there exist exceptional circumstances where confidentiality cannot be maintained and a young person’s wishes must be overridden such as: • The young person is in a life threatening situation (including self harm) • Not taking action might place them or someone else in a life threatening situation • If a young person is threatened by an abuser

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• Where someone else could be harmed In circumstances where confidentiality cannot be maintained, wherever possible, permission of the young person should be sought, who may need a lot of in depth support to be able to make this decision. However with or without the permission of the young person, the information must be appropriately shared with the relevant agency. 5.3

To avoid losing the trust and confidence of a young person, professionals who are providing targeted or specialist services to a vulnerable young person should always ensure that their service users are aware of their policy on confidentiality and information sharing where there are safeguarding issues. In working with young people, it must always be made clear to them that absolute confidentiality cannot be guaranteed and that there will be some circumstances where the needs of the young person can only be safeguarding by sharing information with others.

5.4

When a young person has disclosed that they or someone they know is a victim of domestic abuse, they may ask you to keep this information confidential. In all cases, you should discuss this with them and try to establish the reasons for this. However if you believe that a young person is at risk of harm, you must follow your child protection procedures and reassure the young person that the concern will be dealt with sensitively.

5.5

Prior to making a referral, it is not appropriate to discuss concerns relating to abuse within a relationship with the suspected perpetrator. To do so may put the suspected victim at greater risk and may also hinder any future investigations by the police. This should only happen after a Strategy Discussion has been held between the Safeguarding and Family Support Service and Police to plan how the concerns will be investigated.

5.6

One difficulty that you may encounter is when a young person does not want you to discuss your concerns with their parent. Such decisions can be difficult and need to be taken using professional judgement, consideration of Fraser guidelines: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/inform/research/questions/gillick_wda61289.html and in consultation with the West Yorkshire Consortium Safeguarding Children Boards’ Procedures at: www.proceduresonline,com/westyorkscb

5.7

Decisions will be based on the young person’s age, maturity and ability to appreciate what is involved in terms of the implications and risks to themselves. This should be coupled with the parents’ and carers’ ability and commitment to protect the young person. Given the responsibility that parents have for the conduct and welfare of their children, professionals should encourage the young person, at all points, to share information with their parents and carers wherever safe to do so.

5.8

If there is reason to believe that the young person is at risk of significant harm a referral to the Safeguarding and Family Support Service should be made. It is

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expected that the young person’s parents will be informed, even if the young person does not wish this to happen. However if you suspect that to do so may increase the level of risk to the young person, we advise discussing this with the Safeguarding and Family Support Service before taking any action. 5.9

Discussion with parents may have other benefits. If they are not aware of the problem, they cannot protect their child or young person. They will often be able to support the young person and may also be able to take their own appropriate steps to protect them from harm.

5.10

It is expected that parents and carers will be consulted during the process of assessment by the Safeguarding and Family Support Services and in most cases they would have a primary role in any future safeguarding plans.

6

Information Sharing

6.1

Although sharing information with the Safeguarding and Family Support Service without consent of the young person, or against their wishes, may not sit comfortably with some professionals, there is a clear legislative and procedural precedent set in cases where a child may be suffering or at risk of suffering, significant harm. See Section 1.1.8 of the West Yorkshire Interagency Safeguarding Children procedures for further details. www.proceduresonline.com/westyorkscb

6.2

Sharing information without consent is justified if it is in the “public interest”. In law, the protection of children is considered to be in the public interest. Therefore, sharing of information without consent is again justified and expected.

6.3

In cases where Family Services are investigating or assessing child welfare concerns under S47 of the Children Act 1989, information should be shared with them (it is always good practice to record that the information has been shared).

6.4

People who work with children should not allow uncertainty about the law to act as a barrier to the process of protecting a child from abuse or neglect.

7

The continuum of service provision The guidance in this section relates to concerns about young people who are not already in receipt of a service from the Safeguarding and Family Support Services and hence who do not already have an allocated social worker to deal with any new concerns.

7.1

If a professional concludes that the young person is not at risk of harm this decision and the rationale for it should be recorded in the child’s records. Guidance on thresholds and the continuum of provision in Wakefield is available on the LSCB website (www.wakefield.gov.uk/safeguardingchildren).

7.2

If they do not believe that the young person has been harmed or is at risk, but feel that they are vulnerable, you should consider other ways to support them either via your own agency or by engaging other agencies that work with young people.

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Where a young person has more complex needs and requires a coordinated approach by a number of different agencies or services the CAF process is likely to be a useful means of achieving, coordinating and supporting this work. 7.3

It is expected that whenever a person under the age of eighteen is identified as being at risk of significant harm, a referral should be made to the Safeguarding and Family Support Service. In deciding whether a referral is warranted, professionals should exercise their judgment based on what they know about the young person and their situation. The information in Section 3 and 4 of this document may be helpful in supporting professionals to make this judgment.

7.4

In addition however, it is recommended that whenever a professional is uncertain about whether a referral is warranted, they should discuss this with their manager or a safeguarding champion or lead person in their agency. Alternatively, they can seek advice from colleagues in Safeguarding and Family Support Service e.g. via the Customer Service Centre and Triage Team.

7.5

Making a referral to the Safeguarding and Family Support Service In Wakefield the Council’s Customer Service Centre is the first point of contact for access to social care services for children and young people who are not already in receipt of a service*. The Customer Service Centre can be contacted on 0845 8 506 506

7.6

Where a professional has concerns that a young person may be at risk due to domestic abuse they should follow their own agency policy and procedures for making a referral so that a referral can be made promptly if required. Referrals should include as much information as possible including any significant events and chronologies. Where a referral is made over the telephone, written confirmation (e-mail/fax) of the referral should be sent to the Safeguarding and Family Support Service within 48 hours of making a referral by phone.

7.7

Unless it is clear that the referral does not require involvement by the Safeguarding and Family Support Service the Customer Service Centre will pass the information to the Safeguarding and Family Support Service Triage Team. They will check Safeguarding and Family Support Services records to identify if the young person is currently known or has been known previously.

7.8

If the evidence at this point suggests that there is genuine concern for the young person the Triage Team will send the information to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH). This is a multi-agency service that will undertake background checks and consultation with other professionals and agencies who know the young person. The MASH will make a decision on how to respond to the referral.

7.9

The MASH may offer advice as to how best to support the young person. This may involve support by a single agency, by more than one agency or by a number of agencies under the Common Assessment Framework.

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7.9

Joint Investigation Team (JIT) If the outcome of MASH is that the young person is potentially at risk of significant harm MASH will ensure that the referral is immediately sent to the Joint Investigation Team. This team consists of social workers who work jointly with the police to investigate cases of suspected abuse, exploitation and neglect of children and young people.

7.10

Assessment and Child Protection Teams (ACPT) If the evidence suggests that the young person is not at immediate risk but may be a Child in Need, MASH will transfer the case to the Assessment and Child Protection Team (ACPT) for the area in which the young person lives. The ACPT will make arrangements for a Statutory Assessment of Need to be undertaken. This would involve further consultation with partner agencies in order to arrive at an assessment of the level of need or risk to the young person and development of a multi-agency plan to address this.

7.12

Where a difference of opinion exists between professionals about the level of risk to a young person or how best they can be protected, please follow the guidance in Appendix B.

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Investigating Significant Harm – Section 47 Children Act 1989

8.1

S47 Children Act 1989 requires the Local Authority to investigate suspected cases of abuse or neglect. This applies to anyone under the age of eighteen.

8.2

Such investigations must be undertaken in consultation with Police and other relevant partner agencies.

8.3

This is a well-established process. Regional procedures exist in relation to how referrals relating to suspected abuse will be responded to and the processes that social workers are required to follow. These procedures are available at www.proceduresonline,com/westyorkscb

8.4

These procedures should be followed in any case where a child or young person is felt to be at risk of harm. The procedures apply to any form of abuse (physical, sexual, neglect and emotional) as well as other forms of harm such as child sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. These procedures are followed in all cases, regardless of whether the suspected abuser is within the family or not.

8.5

Therefore these procedures apply and should be followed when a young person may be at risk of harm due to abuse within a relationship. Factors such as the extent and context of the harm, the ability of the young person to protect themselves, the presence of additional vulnerability factors (see 3.3) and the ability of parents and carers to support the young person, will all need to be considered when making an assessment of need or risk and developing appropriate plans.

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9

Young People Using Violence and Abuse in Close Relationships

9.1

The new definition will not just have an impact on younger victims of domestic abuse, but also on those young people who are abusive.

9.2

In cases where a young person is prosecuted the case will usually be heard in a Youth Court. The Youth Justice System is discrete from the adult justice system and has a statutory aim of preventing offending by children and young people. Youth out-of-court disposals, referral orders, community and custodial sentences are specifically designed for youth offenders. There are no specific options designed for cases involving domestic violence, but this can be an aggravating feature that may determine appropriate response to an offence. The youth justice system is focussed on intervention and rehabilitation.

9.3

Remember there may be safeguarding factors to consider when working with young perpetrators of violence as they may be subject to violence themselves.

9.4

The Youth Justice Board have developed a list of tools and resources for working with young people who abuse in relationships: www.justice.gov.uk/youth-justice/reduce-re-offending/domestic-abuse

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Support

10.1

There are a range of support services available to young people. Details of some of the helplines and services available, both locally and nationally can be found at Appendix A.

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Appendix A Useful Contacts for young people aged 16-18 who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse. Role Free national helpline for children and young people in danger or distress

Agency Childline

Contact Details Tel: 0800 1111 www.childline.org.uk

Offers help and advice to young people on having healthy relationships with boy or girl friends. It is particularly concerned where young people are feeling pressurised into something they don’t want to do. It runs a 24 hour, anonymous and confidential helpline supplied by Childline.

The Heart Programme

Website: www.heartprogramme.org Contact Number: 0800 1111 when calling mention you are calling for heart

Free advice and support for adults concerned about the safety and welfare of children and young people.

NSPCC Helpline

Free telephone and email helpline finding young people the best help whatever the problem, can connect a child or young person to any UK helpline where appropriate Helpline providing confidential emotional support to children, young people and adults on any issue including domestic violence.

Get Connected

24/7 0808 800 5000 Text 88858 www.nspcc.org.uk/helpline 0808 808 4994 www.getconnected.org.uk

Supportline

Tel: 01708 765200 [email protected]

Youth Access

Tel: 020 8772 9900 [email protected]

Keeps details of other agencies, support groups and counsellors throughout the UK. Information on youth agencies across the UK for 14-25 years olds and referrals to them.

© Wakefield Council March 2014

National DV Helpline

0808 2000 247

A national charity that can help victims of abuse or violence.

Victim Support

Provide individual, group work and counselling for :

Safe At Home Domestic Abuse Service

Tel: 0300 3 031971 www.victimsupport.org.uk Vulnerable Adults Service, Queens House ,Queens Street, Wakefield, WF1 1DF Freephone: 0800 915 1561 Email [email protected]

Support for young men to address their abusive behaviour (Group work, limited one to one)

Do It Different Group Boys aged 14 to 17 yrs

Tel: 01924 304155 Freephone: 0800 915 1561

Support for men to address their abusive behaviour (Group work, limited one to one)

Men’s Group 18yrs +

Freephone: 0800 915 1561

Assist young families with domestic abuse, run groups ‘Bursting The Bubble’.

Barnardo’s Young Families

Run as 12 sessions, not all sessions have to be attended women can come and go when they choose.

Well Women Centre Freedom Programme

249, Castleford Civic Centre, Ferrybridge Road, Castleford, WF10 4JH Tel: 01924 304152 Fax: 01924 302207 www.burstingthebubble.com Well Women Centre, Trinity Church Gate, Wakefield Tel: 01924 211114

Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline, run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge, is a national service for women experiencing domestic violence, their family, friends, colleagues and others calling on their behalf.

• •

Those experiencing domestic abuse Those who want to address their abusive behaviour

Provide advice and support for professionals, practitioners and the voluntary sector, encountering domestic abuse with service users.

2

Sessions run every Thursday 12pm- 1.45pm. Each session looks at different aspects of controlling behaviour and how we can deal with this and how the behaviour may impact upon us. Provides practical and emotional support to all victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour based abusebased in Leeds.

Karma Nirvana

Honour network helpline 0800 5999 247 Email: [email protected]

Support Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or questioning young people including social group where you can meet other young people

Fruitbowl (youth project based in Wakefield). 13-19yrs and 18 – 25yrs

The Fruitbowl LGBTQ youth development worker Tel: 01924 211116 Mark Tyson – 07955005113 [email protected]

Offers support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people experiencing domestic violence

LGBT Domestic Violence: Broken Rainbow

Tel: 0300 999 5428 www.broken-rainbow.org.uk

Offers counselling following rape or serious sexual assault.

STAR - 14yrs+

Tel: 01924 298954 Email: [email protected] Website: www.starproject.co.uk

To report concerns in relation to domestic abuse.

Wakefield District Police Safeguarding Unit www.avaproject.org.uk

Tel: 01924 293851 Or 999 in emergency “How to help your mates” leaflet available online

Leaflet containing advice for young people on what to do if a friend confides in them

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Useful Websites: www.thehideout.org.uk Is a website which has been created by Women’s Aid to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if it is happening to you. http://thisisabuse.direct.gov.uk/ Useful website providing information for young people experiencing abuse. www.lovegoodbadugly.com Useful website-provides a guide to dating, sex, relationships and abuse.

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Appendix B

Resolving Professional Disagreement 1

Professional disagreements must not be a barrier to children receiving the support they need. If difficulties are encountered in making a referral this must be reported to the line manager responsible for the service so that the issue can be considered at a more senior level. Concerns about the response of another agency should be put in writing if not resolved at the first stage.

2

An escalation process that sets out how to deal with interagency disagreements is included in Chapter 14 of the Inter-agency Child Protection Procedures (www.proceduresonline.com/westyorkscb). This highlights the importance of: • Consulting with line manager or practitioner lead as appropriate • Ensuring the disagreements do not put the children/young people at risk and obscure the focus on the child • Identifying and clarifying issues using procedures and promote resolution • Managers discussing cases where there has been escalation of concerns • Confirmation by letter to determine any outstanding issues • Individuals may need to be debriefed to promote good working relationships in the future

© Wakefield Council March 2014