Introduction
We believe that no one should live in fear of violence or abuse. This policy sets out our commitment to deal with domestic abuse. It explains that we will take all reports of domestic abuse seriously, consider the needs of individuals and work in partnership with specialised agencies to provide a coordinated response.
We are committed to ensuring that all service users and employees affected by domestic abuse are supported in a sympathetic and sensitive manner. Our employees should act in a non-judgemental way. This policy provides guidance for employees in contact with, or managing enquiries/cases of service users, who may be affected by domestic abuse.
This policy recognises that employees can also be affected by domestic abuse and a separate policy exists for this purpose. For more information, please visit our domestic abuse page.
This policy is compliant with the Equality Act 2010, the Public Sector Equality Duty (Section 149 of the Equality Act), Children’s Act 2004, the Care Act 2014 and the Data Protection Act 2018, Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Domestic Abuse Act 2021.
The policy is in line with the values set out by Peterborough City Council in July 2023, committed to putting people first - ‘Everyone Matters’ with the aim to improving the quality of lives for people in Peterborough.
Purpose
We recognises that survivors’ experiences of domestic abuse may in part be defined by their background and this intersectionality is recognised. We understand that certain individuals may face multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and be more likely to experience domestic abuse.
We take an intersectional approach to domestic abuse that recognises that victims/survivors’ experiences of domestic abuse are in part defined by their:
- Age
- Disability
- Gender reassignment
- Marriage and civil partnership
- Pregnancy and maternity
- Sex
- Sexual orientation
- Race
- Religion or beliefs
- Other intersecting needs and characteristics (defined by the Equal Opportunities Act)
and how these combinations of oppression, may change a person’s experience, presenting unique barriers to both disclosing domestic abuse and routes of support.
The groups more at risk include women, low-income household, those who are pregnant or have recently given birth. Other groups include individuals in their 20s and 30s, previous convictions of perpetrator (this may or may not be domestic abuse related), drug and alcohol misuse and mental health issues which may be due to trauma experienced and self-medication.
Domestic abuse has a significant impact on individuals, families, and communities. It also has major implications for service providers and agencies across Peterborough and increases the demand on our services.
Definition
What is domestic violence and abuse?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as any incident or pattern of incidents, between those aged 16 years or over who:
- Are a partner
- Are an ex-partner
- Are a relative
- Have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental responsibility in relation to the same child
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 outlines the following behaviours as abuse:
The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Financial / economic abuse
- Psychological, emotional, or other abuse
Other forms of domestic violence and abuse are:
- So called 'honour’ based violence
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Forced marriage
- Stalking and harassment
- Familial abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children under the age of 18 years who see, or hear, or experience the effects of the abuse, as a victim of domestic abuse if they are related or have a parental relationship to the adult victim or perpetrator of the abuse.
Guidance for working with children who are living with domestic abuse can be found here: Supporting Children and Young People Living with Domestic Abuse - 2021 (avaproject.org.uk)
Domestic abuse always has an impact on children. Being exposed to domestic abuse in childhood is child abuse. You will need to consider a referral to the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub if any children are at risk of harm, details can be found here:
Familial abuse refers to where the parent/victim is over the age of 16 years but the child displaying abusive behaviour is under that age.
Key principles
Our aim is to reduce the number of people who experience domestic abuse and reduce the length and severity of abuse for victims. This can be achieved by:
- Training available for all staff providing them with the skills and knowledge to recognise, respond and refer following a disclosure of domestic abuse to the appropriate organisation.
- Working strategically with partners in relation to the development of policy, procedures and raising awareness.
- Working with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership which aims to reduce the harm, risks, and costs associated with domestic abuse and sexual violence and to prevent these crimes occurring across Peterborough.
- Under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, Peterborough City Council works in partnership with other agencies such as the Police, Fire and Rescue Service, Health, Probation, Cross Keys Homes, and the voluntary sector to tackle crime and disorder in the city.
Roles and responsibilities
To support service users and employees who are experiencing domestic abuse:
- Training provided to staff at Peterborough City Council explains that some people have additional barriers to disclosing abuse and seeking support, that there are a varying number of reasons for this including fear from the perpetrator and lack of faith in statutory organisations.
- All new employees will receive “Basic Domestic Abuse Awareness Training” as part of their corporate induction to the organisation.
The aim of any intervention around domestic abuse is to increase and protect the safety of those at risk of harm. This process of supporting can be summarised in the 3Rs:
- Recognise the problem (look for signs and ask)
- Respond appropriately
- Refer on to appropriate help
- RECOGNISE: Identifying domestic abuse
The following may be indicators of abuse with the potential behaviours:
- Anxiety and / or depression - psychological, emotional, or other abuse.
- Being isolated from friends and family - controlling or coercive behaviour.
- Physical signs such as repeated injuries including unexplained bruising or explanations that do not fit the injuries displayed - physical or sexual abuse.
- Limited access to resources, such as own finances - financial / economic abuse.
- Being fearful / watchful / wary when partner / family member is around violent or threatening behaviour.
Other considerations may be:
- Residents living with domestic abuse are four times more likely to have Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) complaints made against them.
- Residents experiencing domestic abuse are seven times more likely to be in rent arrears of £1,000 or more.
- A high level of property damage can occur in a home where there is domestic abuse and the need for repeated repairs in the same property.
- Victims of domestic abuse who have a disability may also experience additional difficulties, particularly if they are cared for by the abusive person.
- LGBTQ+ people may have their sexuality and gender identity used against them as a tactic for the abuser to keep the power and control in the relationship.
- Perpetrators may insist on acting as a translator for victims who cannot speak English to prevent them from being able to disclose abuse. It is important to use independent translators, not family or community members as interpreters for those who do not speak English as their first language.
- Signs of a forced marriage, this is where one or more of the parties is married without their consent or against their will. This differs from an arranged marriage in which both parties’ consent.
- A child mentioning that they are going abroad on a trip, where there will be “cutting.” This is often a term used to describe Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) when a female's genitals are deliberately altered or removed for non-medical reasons. It is dangerous and a criminal offence in the UK.
Indicators of abuse are not limited to the above list and their presence or absence alone is not sufficient to determine whether domestic abuse is the cause.
- RESPOND: Supporting customers
We are committed to providing support to those affected directly and indirectly by domestic abuse. We will respond confidentially, sympathetically, and effectively to any customer who discloses that they are experiencing domestic abuse. All support options should be orientated around the individual and their wishes, safety and wellbeing should take priority in all matters and procedures:
- REFER: Help and support available for those affected by domestic abuse
We respects the right of the customer to make their own decision on what, if any, action is to be taken. However, if there are safeguarding concerns, we have a legal duty to share information with relevant agencies.
Domestic abuse is a serious matter. If someone is in immediate danger police support should be requested in an emergency by ringing 999.
In non-urgent situations, the police can be called by ringing 101.
Council staff can utilise the following resources:
- Advice for people affected by domestic abuse: Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership.
- Housing Advice provide a range of advice and assistance for those with accommodation needs.
- Signpost to relevant organisations for advice and support (please see below).
- A comprehensive, up to date list of support agencies can be found on the Peterborough Information Network | Domestic violence and abuse pages or our domestic abuse page.
- Domestic Abuse directory for professionals
- Family and friends information: Cambridgeshire County Council DASV Partnership - Opening Closed Doors (cambsdasv.org.uk)
Scope
We are committed to tackling all forms of violence and abuse and to creating a workplace where employees feel safe and supported and have the right to raise the issue with their manager in the knowledge that they will receive appropriate support and assistance.
Although the workplace may be one of the places that an employee experiencing abuse can ask for help, it is also somewhere victims could be targeted and a place where perpetrator can continue the abuse away from the home, harassment, interruptions and even the perpetrator showing up at their workplace.
Peterborough City Council have a number of domestic abuse champions across the council and continue to encourage employees to sign up to the scheme.
This policy applies to all City Council employees covered by the NJC for Local Government Services as far as possible. However, a different procedure may be necessary for certain employees, for example those who are subject to procedures involving Governing Bodies. In these circumstances, Governing Bodies, where appropriate are recommended to adopt the principles of this procedure into their individual policies.
Commissioned Services – Services commissioned to deliver services across Peterborough, by Peterborough City Council, will be expected to have a Domestic Abuse Policy for their Staff and their Customers.
Help and support for people experiencing domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is a crime. Always call 999 in an emergency.