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Kingston and Richmond Safeguarding Children
Partnership:07834 386459

Practitioners

Home Practitioners Subgroups Domestic violence and abuse

Domestic Violence And Abuse

In September 2012, the Government launched a consultation process which led to a change in the definition of domestic violence and abuse. The new definition which came into effect in March 2014 now includes individuals aged 16 and 17 years old. Coercive and controlling behaviour are also now included . The change in the definition is expected to raise  awareness that young people aged between 16 and 17 do experience domestic violence and abuse and to encourage them to come forward to access help and support.

Local resources

Richmond

  • Refuge IDVA – 0208 943 8188
  • One Stop Shop – Thurs 10am-1pm
  • Community Safety Unit - 101

 

Kingston

 

Boroughs have different services - the above contacts will help you to find out what is on offer

Cases with unknown risk should be referred to IDVA / DV Hub in the first instance

Single Point of Access 020 8547 5008 Out of hours: 020 8770 5000

 

National support Organisations

 

The Government’s definition of domestic violence and abuse 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:

  • psychological
  • physical
  • sexual
  • financial
  • 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.”

*This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group." (Home Office, 2013)

If you would like to read more about this please click here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/142701/guide-on-definition-of-dv.pdf

Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship

As from the 29th December 2015 a new offence of coercive and controlling behaviour will become law. The police will be expected to recognise, record and investigate offences under section 76 of the Serious Crime Act 2015
Read more

Children at risk

Domestic violence and abuse can affect adults and children within a family setting. The risks to victims of Domestic violence and abuse and children are likely to increase significantly when relationships finish and for some time following any break-up. Although both men and women can experience domestic violence and abuse it is much more likely that women and children will be affected in cases of ongoing abuse, with the risk of serious harm and homicide being higher for women than men. Children who live with domestic violence and abuse are highly likely to be suffering emotional abuse themselves and are likely to be facing  many risks, such as:

  • Suffering direct physical abuse;
  • Injuries being caused when intervening in domestic violence situations;
  • The emotional effects of witnessing domestic violence and abuse;
  • Emotional stress and abuse through the overhearing of domestic violence in the home .


These risks can cause both short and long term effects on the child’s safety, welfare and development even if the parents are doing their  best to protect them.

The outcomes maybe:

  • Children being significantly distressed by witnessing (seeing or hearing) the suffering of a parent which could result in the child suffering emotional abuse and being drawn into performing anti-social or criminal behaviour;
  • Children maybe pressurised into hiding and covering up assaults, and be fearful or anxious in living in an environment where abuse occurs;
  • Domestic abuse may impact negatively on an adult victim’s capacity to parent. In any case where you believe that a child is at risk of abuse due to living with Domestic Violence and Abuse then you should refer the case to the Single Point of Access (SPA) for Kingston & Richmond Tel: 020 8547 5008 (outside of office hours, please ring 020 8770 5000).
     

You should also complete a CAADA-DASH (Coordinated Action against Domestic Abuse Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour based Violence risk assessment form) in order to assess the risk to the adult victim and any children involved.

In Kingston please visit Royal Borough of Kingston upon
Thames website where you can find out more on:

  • Information and services for Kingston victims of domestic violence and their children
  • The Kingston Domestic Violence Hub service
  • Resources for Professionals (including a service directory)
  • MARAC and how to make a referral
  • Domestic Violence Hub Poster 
    (please click here for Korean translation)
     

In Richmond please contact London Borough of Richmond
upon Thames where you can find out more information on domestic violence and abuse.

Click here for the additional contact and support information in Richmond upon Thames.

Safer Kingston Guide to language when talking about Domestic Abuse