Key points for professionals when making domestic abuse enquiries
- Ask everyone, Ask early, and Keep asking – it may take a while to build trust
- Don't ask when the potential perpetrator is in the room or nearby
- Do not use family members or members of the victim or abuser’s community as translators
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Don’t ask just as a tick box exercise – show genuine interest
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Ask open questions
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Don’t sideline domestic abuse as not as important as other issues
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Respond positively – believe them, always
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Respond appropriately – ask what they would like you to do, ensure you know about signposting options
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Follow up – don’t assume that it has gone away because you asked
For professionals working with Vulnerable Adults/Adults at Risk, you will need to follow
For professionals working with Children and Young People, please see:
Translation and interpreter usage in domestic abuse cases.
Please see the guidance below on how to safely use interpretation and translation services when working with survivors of domestic abuse.
Are you a professional needing advice about domestic abuse in relation to a client or patient?
You can email the Duty IDVA idva.referrals@cambridgeshire.gov.uk and someone will email you back or call 01480 847718 These details are for professionals only
Cambridge Women's Aid operate a refuge in Cambridgeshire and other services, please visit www.cambridgewa.org.uk
Refuge operate refuges in Cambridgeshire, please visit www.refuge.org.uk
Peterborough Women's Aid operate a refuge in Peterborough for women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The contact number for the refuge is 01733 894964.
ISVA services (Sexual Violence) are provided countywide by Cambridge Rape Crisis and Peterborough Rape Crisis. For information and how to make a referral, please visit http://www.caprcp.org.uk/
Unpaid Carers
Unpaid Carers, sometimes called Family Carers, can be subjected to domestic abuse from the person they care for. On occasion, unpaid carers may also choose to abuse the cared for person.
The guidance below has been developed as part of the Unpaid Carers and Domestic Abuse Project and explains the specific risks around domestic abuse in the context of caring relationships and things professionals should consider when working with carers.
It was written with involvement from a range of local agencies including CPFT, Healthwatch, Integrated Care Board, Adult Safeguarding and Caring Together.