In this post, we discuss the prevalence of post-separation abuse and how the Duluth Model's Post Separation Wheel can be used in domestic abuse practice. We also provide advice for those struggling with this type of abuse. It is not always the case that leaving an abusive partner will increase a woman’s safety and research has established that, in many cases, domestic abuse from an intimate partner does not end upon separation. Post-separation can actually see an escalation o

DV-ACT experts deliver a bespoke 1:1 treatment programme for perpetrators whose denial and minimisation of their behaviours makes them unsuitable for normal groupwork programmes. This post will explain how DV-ACT delivers this intensive programme remotely, what it covers, the costs, and what reporting options are available. Working with denial and minimisation Most domestic abuse perpetrator programmes (DAPP) do not allow perpetrators to attend if they do not admit to their a

Have you been referred for a risk assessment and don't know what it is, what you will need to do and how it will affect your case? This post

Have you been referred for a vulnerability assessment and don't know what it is, what you will need to do and how it will affect your case?

With an increase in domestic abuse homicides being reported across the globe, a light is being shed on a crime that in 'normal' times causes the death of 2 women a week in the UK. This post explains the 8 step timeline that typically precedes domestic abuse homicides and how this relates to risk assessment and safety planning. Recent reporting has fed into the public perception that the recent spike in the number of domestic homicides is due to a rise in one-off incidents bro

The Independent Office for Police Conduct launched a national campaign to make people aware of how they can alert police that they are in danger but unable to speak. The silent solution system is well-established in the UK but will only be effective if the public is made aware of how to use it. Calling 999 Using the Silent Solution Many people are unaware that the Police will not automatically respond if you make a silent 999 call. The Silent Solution is a police system used

Many of us are turning to video calls to work with clients. When working with victims of DV we must consider her safety

It cannot be assumed that professionals such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or those with experience in other areas of child protection work, have the specialist knowledge and experience to assess the complex risks to children presented by domestic violence and abuse. In this post we discuss why. Over the years DV-ACT experts have been approached by experts who have felt that, despite their expertise in mental health or social work, they were unable to carry out the instru

We know that care proceedings cases are increasing in the UK with an ever increasing pressure to reduce timescales and costs without loosing the focus on the safety of the child/ren. This post will explain how DV-ACT assessments provide vital expert opinion to the courts in order to safeguard children from domestic and sexual abuse. The need for Domestic Abuse Expert Assessments The impact of the Coronavirus crisis on families is as yet unknown, but there is an expectation th

As we all get used to living indoors more of us have started to think, and become concerned about, what could be going on behind closed...

In 2019 an estimated 2.4 million adults experienced domestic abuse in the UK so, chances are, someone in your community is living with...

This post will give information on how to complete emergency safety planning with perpetrators

With the possibility of homes being kept in lockdown because of the corona virus it is important that we help keep families safe

A safety plan is an important tool for those families living with domestic abuse. The plan should help the victim identify options to...

For those families living in a home where domestic abuse is present it is important that a safety plan is in place. Part of that safety...

For those families living in a home where domestic abuse is present, it is important that a safety plan is in place. This post is designed to take social workers through the steps of completing safety planning with families. The importance of completing safety planning with families living with domestic abuse The importance of safety planning It is important that safety planning is carried out with all families that are living with domestic abuse which should have the childr

In this post, we give the 10 most common indicators that a perpetrator is using coercive control in their relationship. What is coercive...