Domestic Abuse - Plymouth

Domestic abuse is physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial abuse that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. This can include forced marriage and so-called 'honour crimes'. Domestic abuse may include a range of abusive behaviours, not all of which are in themselves inherently 'violent'.

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A Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) is a regular local meeting to discuss how to help victims at high risk of murder or serious harm.

A domestic abuse specialist (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors, IDVAs), police, children's social services, health and other relevant agencies all sit around the same table. They talk about the victim, the family and perpetrator, and share information. The meeting is confidential.

The purpose of the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence (DASH) risk checklist is to give a consistent and simple tool for practitioners who work with adult victims of domestic abuse in order to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm and whose cases should be referred to a MARAC meeting in order to manage their risk. If you are concerned about risk to a child or children, you should make a referral to ensure that a full assessment of their safety and welfare is made.

DASH tool checklist

MARAC Referral Form

Plymouth Domestic Abuse Services (PDAS)

Responding to domestic abuse: Guidance for general practices

Domestic Abuse Bill 2019

Adult Safeguarding Toolkit