Domestic and Sexual Violence/Abuse
As from March 2013, the term ‘domestic violence and abuse’ should be used. The Government’s definition of domestic violence and abuse has been widened to include those aged 16-17 and now includes coercive control. The revised definition is: any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
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Psychological;
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Physical;
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Sexual;
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Financial;
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Emotional.
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
The definition includes so called 'honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation and forced marriage. The definition is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group. In domestic violence this behaviour is viewed as intentional and is calculated to exercise power and control within a relationship. The adults may be, or have been, intimate partners, or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. Domestic violence includes so called 'honour based violence', forced marriage (see Forced Marriage Procedure) and female genital mutilation (see Safeguarding Children at Risk of Abuse through Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Procedure).
The LLR LSCB procedure on Domestic Abuse/Violence which can be found here.
Adolescent to Parent Violence and Abuse
DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence) and RIC (Risk Identification Checklist)
Information and Support
Visit the Leicester City Council website for information about support and services available to people living in Leicester.
This includes the Local Sexual and Domestic Helpline 0808 80 200 28 and services offered by United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA).
The services available include specific interventions or workers for: Adolescent (age 10-16) to parent violence; Young people aged 13-18
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General enquiries: info@uava.org.uk
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Referrals: referrals@uava.org.uk (please password protect sensitive material or ask for the secure email address)
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Business line for practitioners: 0116 255 0004
Leicestershire Police can also be contacted on 101 (999 in an emergency). For further information and help, visit the Leicestershire Police website.
LSCB Domestic Violence and Abuse multi-agency audit
The summary/briefing of the recent LSCB multi-agency audit on domestic violence/abuse found that practice and compliance to LLR LSCB multi-agency safeguarding procedures, including the Domestic Violence and Abuse procedure, was variable. Practitioners should also use the Practitioner Disagreement and Escalation of Concerns procedure. A range of tools were used to assess domestic violence.