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Domestic violence

Information for workers

Research shows that victims and survivors of domestic violence want to be asked by professionals about the violence or abuse they are suffering. If you do not feel able to ask someone directly if they are suffering domestic violence, you could try asking:

• 'is everything alright at home?', or
• 'is anything else upsetting you?', or
• 'is there anything else that you'd like to talk about?'.

The most important things that you can do for a victim or survivor of domestic violence are:

• ask them if they are suffering domestic violence, or giving them an opportunity to tell you about it;
• believe them;
• tell them that they are not to blame for the violence or abuse;
• explain that they do not have to stay with their abuser, and that other options are available to them;
• refer them to an appropriate domestic violence service or to the police (with their consent).

Good practice guidelines

If someone discloses that they are suffering domestic violence or abuse:

• do find a quiet place where they can talk without being disturbed;
• do allow them plenty of time to talk;
• do believe their story;
• do listen non-judgmentally;
• do explain that they are not to blame for the violence or abuse they suffered;
• do explain that they do not have to stay with their violent or abusive partner;
• do explain what options are available to them (if you do not know, contact the Domestic Violence Support Team on 01422 323339);
• do ask if they would like you to refer them to another service or to contact the police;
• do discuss who they could contact in an emergency;
• do discuss ways in which they could increase their safety;
• before they leave, do reassure them that they have taken a positive step in talking about what they are experiencing, and that they can contact you again.

Resources

If you want to learn more about the nature of domestic violence and abuse and its effect on victims and survivors, detailed information can be found on the websites listed throughout this information.

Several important documents can be downloaded from the domestic violence mini-site on the Government's Crime Reduction Website, including the National Report for Domestic Violence (March 2005), and the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004): Crime Reduction|.

Detailed guidance for workers on the issue of Forced Marriage can be downloaded from: Forced marriage|.

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