This report focuses on the capital’s provision of health-based domestic abuse services, combining the experience of survivors who accessed healthcare services through a dedicated survey with observations from frontline specialist services and other stakeholders who engaged in two roundtables held in December 2020 and January 2021. The report argues that health-based interventions help to identify survivors sooner, particularly those who may not typically present at community-based services or in the criminal justice system. Moreover, healthcare professionals are better prepared to recognise domestic abuse, ask about it, record it and share that information, and respond sensitively to it when there is greater join up between settings and agencies. Key findings in the report include: domestic abuse has a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of victims and families, and costs society £66 billion per year – of which more than £2 billion is borne by health services; we estimate that 241,000 women and 120,000 men experienced domestic abuse in the past year in London, on the basis of Crime Survey of England and Wales estimates that 7.3 per cent of women aged 16-64 and 3.6 per cent of men in the same age bracket experienced domestic abuse between March 2019 and March 2020; 425,480 children and young people in London will have experienced domestic abuse by the time they are an adult; we estimate there are around 45,750 female survivors of domestic abuse working for the NHS just in London; we estimate around 88,000 Londoners received medical attention following partner abuse in the last 12 months; the estimated health service costs of domestic abuse in London equals £433 million per year; one in ten offences recorded by the Metropolitan Police involves domestic abuse; only one in five people experiencing abuse ever calls the police but victims will be accessing every hospital, GP surgery and mental health setting every day, while children and their parents will be being supported every day in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), health visiting services and by school nurses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report focuses on the capital’s provision of health-based domestic abuse services, combining the experience of survivors who accessed healthcare services through a dedicated survey with observations from frontline specialist services and other stakeholders who engaged in two roundtables held in December 2020 and January 2021. The report argues that health-based interventions help to identify survivors sooner, particularly those who may not typically present at community-based services or in the criminal justice system. Moreover, healthcare professionals are better prepared to recognise domestic abuse, ask about it, record it and share that information, and respond sensitively to it when there is greater join up between settings and agencies. Key findings in the report include: domestic abuse has a devastating effect on the health and wellbeing of victims and families, and costs society £66 billion per year – of which more than £2 billion is borne by health services; we estimate that 241,000 women and 120,000 men experienced domestic abuse in the past year in London, on the basis of Crime Survey of England and Wales estimates that 7.3 per cent of women aged 16-64 and 3.6 per cent of men in the same age bracket experienced domestic abuse between March 2019 and March 2020; 425,480 children and young people in London will have experienced domestic abuse by the time they are an adult; we estimate there are around 45,750 female survivors of domestic abuse working for the NHS just in London; we estimate around 88,000 Londoners received medical attention following partner abuse in the last 12 months; the estimated health service costs of domestic abuse in London equals £433 million per year; one in ten offences recorded by the Metropolitan Police involves domestic abuse; only one in five people experiencing abuse ever calls the police but victims will be accessing every hospital, GP surgery and mental health setting every day, while children and their parents will be being supported every day in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), health visiting services and by school nurses.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, prevention, health care, health professionals, survivors;
The potential threat of COVID-19 to the health and safety of frontline staff and service users poses a real and immediate challenge for safeguarding families at risk of domestic abuse. This document provides advice to help multi-agency forums, including Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (Marcs), be flexible and respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It covers advice on using virtual forums; managing meetings; assessing additional risk posed to victims of domestic abuse and their children; and safety planning to maximising the opportunity for safe communication between vulnerable families and services. Version date: 19 March 2020.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The potential threat of COVID-19 to the health and safety of frontline staff and service users poses a real and immediate challenge for safeguarding families at risk of domestic abuse. This document provides advice to help multi-agency forums, including Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (Marcs), be flexible and respond to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. It covers advice on using virtual forums; managing meetings; assessing additional risk posed to victims of domestic abuse and their children; and safety planning to maximising the opportunity for safe communication between vulnerable families and services. Version date: 19 March 2020.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report presents data from children and young people engaging with specialist children and young people’s domestic abuse services between April 2018 and March 2019. It includes data on 533 children who entered 10 services and consented to having their data used for research purposes. Data includes information on referral routes; the profiles of children and young people, including history of abuse and concerns at intake; client outcomes; and support and interventions. Of the children and young people supported by services, 94 percent were exposed to domestic abuse, 37 percent were direct victims of abuse, and 11 percent were demonstrating harmful behaviour.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report presents data from children and young people engaging with specialist children and young people’s domestic abuse services between April 2018 and March 2019. It includes data on 533 children who entered 10 services and consented to having their data used for research purposes. Data includes information on referral routes; the profiles of children and young people, including history of abuse and concerns at intake; client outcomes; and support and interventions. Of the children and young people supported by services, 94 percent were exposed to domestic abuse, 37 percent were direct victims of abuse, and 11 percent were demonstrating harmful behaviour.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, children, young people, intervention, service provision, outcomes, child abuse;
A report of research funded by the Oak Foundation which aimed to provide a clear definition and understanding of psychological violence, explore the experiences of those living with psychological violence, and examine the tactics perpetrators use to threaten and control. Evidence was gathered through a mixed-methods approach involving: a desk-based review of the international literature, a survey and interviews with survivors in the UK who have experienced non-physical abuse, and a survey to practitioners who work with survivors and European partners across Council of Europe Member States. The research confirms that psychological violence is not a term that is universally defined or understood. In the UK, 'psychological abuse' was more likely to be used and understood by practitioners. It found a serious gap in professionals’ knowledge of psychological violence, resulting in them missing opportunities to identify and support victims; and the need for an increased in public awareness. Psychological violence was found to be a common form of abuse, which does not always involve physical violence, and can cause severe, long term harms to victims. Children can also be used to threaten and control victims, and can be negatively impacted physically, emotionally and developmentally. The report makes recommendation to the Oak Foundation, the European Commission, local commissioners and domestic violence services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
A report of research funded by the Oak Foundation which aimed to provide a clear definition and understanding of psychological violence, explore the experiences of those living with psychological violence, and examine the tactics perpetrators use to threaten and control. Evidence was gathered through a mixed-methods approach involving: a desk-based review of the international literature, a survey and interviews with survivors in the UK who have experienced non-physical abuse, and a survey to practitioners who work with survivors and European partners across Council of Europe Member States. The research confirms that psychological violence is not a term that is universally defined or understood. In the UK, 'psychological abuse' was more likely to be used and understood by practitioners. It found a serious gap in professionals’ knowledge of psychological violence, resulting in them missing opportunities to identify and support victims; and the need for an increased in public awareness. Psychological violence was found to be a common form of abuse, which does not always involve physical violence, and can cause severe, long term harms to victims. Children can also be used to threaten and control victims, and can be negatively impacted physically, emotionally and developmentally. The report makes recommendation to the Oak Foundation, the European Commission, local commissioners and domestic violence services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
emotional abuse, survivors, user views, surveys, literature reviews, policy, domestic violence, violence;
The results of an annual survey to identify the number of Independent domestic violence advisors (Idvas) and wider domestic abuse practitioners supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse across England and Wales. The survey received responses from 247 services who employ domestic abuse practitioners, supplemented by information about 49 services from other sources. The findings show there are still not enough domestic abuse professionals (Independent domestic violence advisors for every victim to get the support they need, with coverage of required Idvas varying widely by region. Specialist support for young victims and survivors of domestic abuse is not consistently available, with no Young Person’s Violence Advisors available in almost one in five police force areas. In addition, one in six services did not think that the local response to domestic abuse considered the whole family.
(Edited publisher abstract)
The results of an annual survey to identify the number of Independent domestic violence advisors (Idvas) and wider domestic abuse practitioners supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse across England and Wales. The survey received responses from 247 services who employ domestic abuse practitioners, supplemented by information about 49 services from other sources. The findings show there are still not enough domestic abuse professionals (Independent domestic violence advisors for every victim to get the support they need, with coverage of required Idvas varying widely by region. Specialist support for young victims and survivors of domestic abuse is not consistently available, with no Young Person’s Violence Advisors available in almost one in five police force areas. In addition, one in six services did not think that the local response to domestic abuse considered the whole family.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, survivors, surveys, staff, service provision, access to services, crime victims, outreach services;
This 'Spotlight' report focuses on victims and survivors of domestic abuse who experience mental health problems and the barriers they experience in accessing services. It focuses on six key findings from evidence gathered within the Spotlight series and wider SafeLives' research which are used to make recommendations for change. The key findings show: there is a strong association between having
(Edited publisher abstract)
This 'Spotlight' report focuses on victims and survivors of domestic abuse who experience mental health problems and the barriers they experience in accessing services. It focuses on six key findings from evidence gathered within the Spotlight series and wider SafeLives' research which are used to make recommendations for change. The key findings show: there is a strong association between having mental health problems and being a victim of domestic abuse; domestic abuse often goes undetected within mental health services and domestic abuse services are not always equipped to support mental health problems; that survivors with mental health problems are more likely to be experiencing multiple disadvantage; the need for available trauma-informed services for survivors and perpetrators; improved integration of domestic abuse services into the health sector; and the need for a greater awareness of the relationship between domestic abuse and mental health within organisations and the general public. The report provides 21 recommendations, including recommendations for governments, multi-agency partnerships and domestic abuse and mental health services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, unmet need, mental health problems, traumas, access to services, complex needs, offenders, training, interagency cooperation, mental health services;
This report explores the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the support that they need. It draws on a range of evidence, including data from SafeLives’ national dataset and the views of practitioners, experts and of domestic abuse survivors themselves. The report focuses on five key findings from the evidence and makes
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report explores the experiences of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT+) victims and survivors of domestic abuse and the support that they need. It draws on a range of evidence, including data from SafeLives’ national dataset and the views of practitioners, experts and of domestic abuse survivors themselves. The report focuses on five key findings from the evidence and makes recommendations for change. The key findings are: that services are missing opportunities to identify LGBT+ victims, survivors and perpetrators of domestic abuse; LGBT+ victims and survivors are experiencing high levels of risk and complex needs before they access support; LGBT+ victims and survivors need support tailored to their needs and circumstances; a victim’s sexual orientation or gender identity can sometimes be targeted as part of the abuse; and that societal attitudes and lack of inclusion are preventing LGBT+ victims and survivors from accessing the support they need to get safe and recover. The report highlights the need for frontline practitioners to be mindful of how their client’s sexual orientation and/or gender identity may intersect with their experiences of domestic abuse and understand how this impacts on risk. The support offered also needs to be tailored to the issues faced by LGBT+ people and needs to be reflected in funding and commissioning. It includes recommendations for government, commissioners, multi-agency partnerships and statutory services.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, LGBT people, survivors, access to services, needs, stereotyped attitudes, complex needs, discrimination, partner abuse, service provision;
This report looks at the link between domestic abuse and homelessness, focusing on survivors of domestic abuse who are chronically homeless and do not have a safe or secure place to live. It draws on the SafeLives’ Insights national dataset and evidence from practitioners, experts and the views of domestic abuse survivors. The report focuses on six key findings from the evidence: Domestic abuse
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report looks at the link between domestic abuse and homelessness, focusing on survivors of domestic abuse who are chronically homeless and do not have a safe or secure place to live. It draws on the SafeLives’ Insights national dataset and evidence from practitioners, experts and the views of domestic abuse survivors. The report focuses on six key findings from the evidence: Domestic abuse is a significant cause of homelessness, but the true extent of the issue is unknown; Survivors of domestic abuse who become homeless face multiple barriers to gaining a safe and secure place to live; Chronically homeless women experience multiple forms of disadvantage, which creates a cycle of abuse and homelessness; Responses to chronically homeless women must be gender responsive and trauma informed; Housing is a basic need that must be met before other disadvantages can be addressed; and that Housing providers play a vital role in the response to domestic abuse. Based on the evidence, the report makes recommendations for change in each of the six areas. It concludes that to break the cyclical relationship between homelessness and domestic abuse, services and housing providers need to consider the additional needs of survivors, which often come as a result of the multiple traumas they have experienced.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report discuss domestic abuse within the context of ‘honour’-based violence and forced marriage and looks at how services should respond. It is one of a series of Spotlight reports focusing on ‘hidden’ groups of domestic abuse victims and survivors, or those with unmet needs. Using data collected by specialist domestic abuse service, the report looks at the numbers of people affected by honour-based violence, the abuse experienced by victims, the current response to domestic abuse for those at risk, and the response from the community. The report highlights a lack of reliable information on the scale of 'honour'-based violence in the UK, due in part to the many barriers that prevent victims from coming forward; the complex nature of abuse, with perpetrators often extending beyond the circle of partners and family members; and additional risk faced by victims such as poor understanding of the English language, access to housing or financial issues. It makes a series of recommendations to help increase awareness and provide better advocacy and long term support. It also highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention and engaging with communities to support those at risk to get help at the earliest stage.
(Edited publisher abstract)
This report discuss domestic abuse within the context of ‘honour’-based violence and forced marriage and looks at how services should respond. It is one of a series of Spotlight reports focusing on ‘hidden’ groups of domestic abuse victims and survivors, or those with unmet needs. Using data collected by specialist domestic abuse service, the report looks at the numbers of people affected by honour-based violence, the abuse experienced by victims, the current response to domestic abuse for those at risk, and the response from the community. The report highlights a lack of reliable information on the scale of 'honour'-based violence in the UK, due in part to the many barriers that prevent victims from coming forward; the complex nature of abuse, with perpetrators often extending beyond the circle of partners and family members; and additional risk faced by victims such as poor understanding of the English language, access to housing or financial issues. It makes a series of recommendations to help increase awareness and provide better advocacy and long term support. It also highlights the importance of prevention and early intervention and engaging with communities to support those at risk to get help at the earliest stage.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
domestic violence, forced marriage, black and minority ethnic people, service provision, intervention, early intervention, cultural identity, migrants, immigrants, access to services;
The template outlines outcomes that LSCB’s should achieve, which are: to ensure all organisations with a role to safeguard children are represented at the Marac; all children are identified and referred through appropriate safeguarding pathways; a clear understanding of the children identified through Marac and their needs; and that the Marac is performing in line with SafeLives recommendations and best...
(Edited publisher abstract)
This template aims to help Local Safeguarding Children’s Boards (LSCBs) link effectively with the multi agency risk assessment conference (Marac) process and collect appropriate evidence to know how they are improving specific outcomes for children and young people. It will enable LSCBs to coordinate the work of partners safeguarding children locally and to monitor the effectiveness of Marac. The template outlines outcomes that LSCB’s should achieve, which are: to ensure all organisations with a role to safeguard children are represented at the Marac; all children are identified and referred through appropriate safeguarding pathways; a clear understanding of the children identified through Marac and their needs; and that the Marac is performing in line with SafeLives recommendations and best practice. For each outcome, the template provides strategic questions for the LSCB to consider and highlights relevant evidence and guidance.
(Edited publisher abstract)
Subject terms:
safeguarding children, Safeguarding Children Boards, interagency cooperation, risk assessment, needs assessment, case conferences, domestic violence, policy, procedures;