Domestic Abuse (Info for professionals)

The UK government's definition of domestic abuse is: 'any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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'.

What is Domestic Abuse? Please look at the following 7 minute briefing which explains domestic abuse, recognising the signs and potential signs of domestic abuse, questions to ask and referral pathways to follow.


London Borough of Bromley Domestic Abuse Guidance

Please click on this LINK to access public facing guidance and services


The Domestic Abuse Services and Referral Pathways in Bromley shows the local domestic abuse referral pathways available in Bromley.

London Borough of Bromley Sanctuary Scheme - March 2023 - Any Bromley residents that are experiencing violence or abuse would qualify to be considered for a referral into the Sanctuary Scheme. The Sanctuary scheme, by providing professionally installed security measures, allows families to remain in their own environment whist they are experiencing the problems that arise as a result of domestic abuse.

250

To refer a client to the Sanctuary scheme send the completed referral form to sanctuaryScheme@bromley.gov.uk. Referrals will be forwarded to the Safe Partnership who will make contact with the client to arrange a suitable appointment time.

Safe Partnership’s aim is to make the homes of victims and survivors of violence and abuse safe and secure so that they and their families can remain in their own homes, alleviating the disruption of relocating and allows them to retain the support of professional services, their family and the community when they are at their most vulnerable.

For any questions, please contact sanctuaryScheme@bromley.gov.uk


MULTI AGENCY RISK ASSESSSMENT CONFERENCE (MARAC)

The primary focus of a MARAC is to safeguard adult victims of domestic abuse and to protect families. The MARAC is an information sharing panel with key services who support the creation of an action plan of high risk, high harm cases, including making appropriate referrals to safeguard the family.

MARAC: SafeLives Toolkit for Adult Social Care - This provides background information MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment conference), the legal framework and the process when making referrals.

MARAC South Area Referral Form Reviewed (July 2024) - MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocates (IDSVA's) and other specialists. Information shared at the MARAC is confidential and is only used for the purpose of reducing risk of harm to those at risk.

SafeLives have produced a series of short videos explaining what a MARAC is, how it works, what to expect if you are asked to attend and how the action planning section works. These can be found on the Safe Lives website.


Domestic Abuse Act 2021

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 became law on 30th April 2021. You can read the government statutory guidance (July 2022) on Domestic Abuse HERE.


Advice and Support

Bromley and Croydon Women's Aid

Bromley & Croydon Women’s Aid (BCWA) offers support to individuals addressing both immediate needs and long-term recovery.

Their IDVA service focuses on supporting victims at high risk of serious harm or fatality due to domestic abuse. Independent Domestic Violence Advocates provide expert crisis intervention, conducting risk assessments and coordinating immediate safety measures.

Our community outreach service offers tailored support to victims within their communities who may not need refuge accommodation. Outreach workers provide practical support, risk assessing, safety planning and signposting.

DAPP Drive - Perpetrator Support

Support for behaviour change in high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse.

Drive works with high-harm, high-risk and serial perpetrators of domestic abuse to prevent their abusive behaviour and protect victims. Drive challenges and supports perpetrators to change and works with partner agencies – like the police and social services – to disrupt abuse.

Make a referral - referrals to Drive are made through the MARAC process.

Women and Girl's Network

Please click on the link below to access the Women and Girls Network free sexual violence helpline number:

Women & Girls Network Sexual Violence Helpline Flyer

250

The Traveller Movement

The Traveller Movement provides resources and training for professionals working with service users that are either Gypsy, Roma or Traveller.

Respect

Respect is a mens' advice helpline for male victims of domestic abuse

CODA (Children Overcoming Domestic Abuse)

Please click HERE for an explanation on the Children Overcoming Domestic Abuse (CODA) programme. Please also visit the Bromley Parenting Hub Website.

Please note that the CODA programme is evidenced based and successful but is not a Clinical intervention.

Further information on CODA can be found on the following links:

CODA Referral Form

Programme Information and Specific Criteria for the Group (booklet)

CODA feedback from Children and Parents

Domestic Abuse Perpetrator Orders (DAPO's)

The following webinar covers the new Domestic Abuse Prevention Orders (DAPN/O’s) launch, how these can be used to hold perpetrators to account and support victims to stay safe from abuse.

Further information can be found here:

DAPO victim guidance

DAPO application form

Men and Masculinities

The Men & Masculinities programme is designed to support people of all genders and sexualities who are aware that their behaviour is damaging or distressing within their relationships.

Referral form

Men and Masculinities leaflet

Ask for Angela

Ask for Angela is the national scheme that helps anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out to get the support they need. This is a London based initiative.