Domestic Abuse Referral Pathway

Domestic abuse is a complex issue requiring sensitive handling by professionals across sectors. However by working together, professionals in the statutory and voluntary sectors can provide the most effective response to victims of domestic abuse.

Generic services can act as a gateway for people to gain access to specialist help and support. Professionals can enable disclosure by making discreet, sensitive enquiries (‘Ask & Act’). Click for more information on Ask and Act training (NTF generic page/ internal link)

Responding to disclosures

When someone discloses domestic abuse it is important professionals respond sensitively, including ensuring the person feels believed.

If it is an emergency situation call 999.

If there are safeguarding concerns, where possible, professionals should seek to discuss these with the individual. If concerns remain the adult at risk/ child at risk process under the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act should be followed – click for safeguarding referral details for Gwent (internal link)

Alongside considering safeguarding, professionals should signpost people to agencies offering specialist support for domestic abuse victims, either via the Live Fear Free helpline or local specialist organisation – click for details of specialist help and support available.

Specialist domestic abuse workers can provide support, go through the person’s options and complete a risk assessment (see below) and develop a safety plan (see below).

Professionals with concerns about someone can access support and information from the Live Fear Free Helpline: 0800 80 10 800

  • Gwent pathway/referral flowchart - download PDF

DASH Risk Assessment

Risk assessing everyone who discloses current domestic abuse helps support the next step, helping to determine the level of risk the person is exposed to.

The DASH (Domestic abuse, Stalking and Honour based violence) is a universally used risk assessment tool, delivering shared understanding of risk across agencies. DASH is evidence based and supports more effective multi agency responses.

The DASH process helps support agencies to identify if a case is high risk and should be referred to MARAC (see below).

It is not advisable for untrained staff to undertake risk assessment, however it helps if all staff are aware of the significance of DASH. Done well, DASH provides a comprehensive overview of the risks posed. If something is missed it can result in an inadequate (unsafe) response.

MARAC

Cases assessed as high risk should be referred to MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) and the IDVA service (see below).

MARAC’s take place in each local authority area in Gwent every 2 weeks. Gwent police coordinate MARAC meetings. In MARAC meetings high risk cases (those at serious risk of harm or death) are discussed and agencies share their information. The IDVA represents the victims views. A multi-agency safety/ action plan is then developed and put in place to safeguard the victim.

For further information including making a referral to MARAC is available below:

Independent Domestic Abuse Adviser (IDVA)

IDVA’s work with victims at high risk of harm from a partner, ex-partner or family member/s. In Gwent there is a regional IDVA service which forms part of a multi - agency framework linked that is part of the Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) process.

IDVA’s act as the primary point of contact for the victim, usually working with them from the point of crisis, helping implement actions from MARAC, provide support for a range of issues, including accompanying clients to court.

Gwent IDVA Service: Contact details for IDVA services in Gwent are included in the VAWDASV Services Directory – download PDF

Safety planning

Specialist domestic abuse workers will support people to develop an individual safety plan. They assist victims to consider how they may take action in a safe way, looking at how vulnerable they may be and how they can increase their safety (and their children’s).

Safety plans are tailored to a person’s circumstances; they look more widely than just physical safety, and consider both short and long term safety.