Domestic Abuse -Workplace Policy Can it make a difference? February 2011

Prevalence

1.5 million victims across the UK 120,000 of them at high risk Traditionally viewed as a chronic

embedded social problem Bulk of children at risk / in need 15-25%of homeless presentations 20-25%violent crime

Hidden victims

Men Black and Ethnic Minority women Women in work Added barriers are shame - you could

lose your career – time off work –how can you be safe if he/she knows where you work ?

So why do women stay?

Normalised - its not that bad Do not believe its affecting the

children – it will ruin their lives Can plan around it –adaptive

responses Leaving increases the risk

So lets make them safe in their homes

Refuge not the only option Target hardening Risk Assessment and management Independent Domestic Violence

Advisers – IDVA’s MARAC coordinated safety planning

tailored to reduce your risk

Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor

Resources follow risk Time limited contact Single point of contact for victim Acts as advocate Navigates victim through our overly

complex public services

Domestic Abuse Stalking Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment. - DASHand Harassment. - DASH

Designed and agreed by expert panelDesigned and agreed by expert panel 24 questions 24 questions Violence/ controlling behaviour/ Violence/ controlling behaviour/

threats /stalking/mental health issues/ threats /stalking/mental health issues/ alcohol and drug issuesalcohol and drug issues

14 positives and case to MARAC14 positives and case to MARAC Multi agency meeting where all Multi agency meeting where all

relevant info shared relevant info shared

Aim of MARAC

To provide a realistic package of actions to make victim and children safer by sharing relevant information

To co-ordinate this with perpetrator management

To keep the victim’s views at the centre of the process

Lucy a nurse with 2 children

Lock fitters to the house

Changed shift pattern

School alerted children to be collected by mum and sister only

Police drive by and marker on address

Secure parking offered

Time to see IDVA in work time

Partner warned under Harassment Act

Injunction applied for and granted

In the Wales

22 MARACS submit data 4,467 victims cases heard Over 5,000 children living in these

households Police provide 66% of these referrals Male victims 3.6%

Cost savings

MARAC plus IDVA up to 60%of victims report no further abuse

80% of victims feel safe and stop being victims

For every £1 spent saves £6 to public purse

Potential saving £740m across the UK