SGPOL08CORE Domestic Abuse Policy v8 by Provide Community

Domestic Abuse Policy

Version: V8

Ratified by: Strategic Safeguarding Group

Date ratified: 27/09/2022

Job Title of author:

Named Nurse Safeguarding Adults and Children

Reviewed by Committee or Expert Group Strategic Safeguarding Group

Equality Impact Assessed by:

1. Introduction

Domestic Abuse is an abhorrent crime perpetrated on victims and their families by those who should love and care for them. This can lead to debilitating long-term consequences for victims and includes forced marriage, honour-based abuse, and domestic homicide. Domestic Abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, social background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity. The majority of victims of domestic abuse are women but it can happen to men too. The abuse can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial or sexual. Everyone has arguments and may disagree with people they are personally connected to from time to time, however anyone forced to alter their behaviour because they are frightened of the reaction by the person they are connected to, is being abused. It can begin at any stage of the relationship. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off. Incidents generally become more frequent and severe over time This can have a devastating impact on the victim and their children and can lead to life changes injuries and even death. Domestic Abuse Act 2021 Statutory Guidance 2022

There is significant evidence to show that older people are as likely to experience domestic abuse as younger people but are less likely to report it. An older person may have experienced coercive control for decades in an intimate relationship significantly influencing their sense of self-identity and confidence in their ability to make decisions for themselves. They may also be suffering abuse from their adult children or family members.

The Care Act 2014, put safeguarding adults with care and support needs and at risk of abuse or neglect on a statutory basis and people working with adults may regularly encounter situations of Domestic Abuse. People with disabilities are twice as likely to be abused as non-disabled adults and in a greater variety of ways particularly if their abuser is also their carer.

Provide Community Group is required to fulfil their legal duty under Section 11 of the Children Act 2004 and statutory responsibilities set out in Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2018). Therefore, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children must be an integral part of the care offered to all children and their families by all professionals working within Provide Community Group. This may be care offered to children, young people, families or adults who are parents, grandparents or carers.

This policy also considers Modern slavery, Honour Based abuse, including Forced Marriage and female genital mutilation which can all be perpetrated by families against their relatives and are therefore included as forms of Domestic Abuse.

This Policy includes Provide Community Group’s duty to train staff in how to support victims of Domestic Abuse and considers that our staff may also be victims and how the organisation can support them while not tolerating any staff who are perpetrators of Domestic Abuse. It also includes referral and information sharing with the Multiagency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).

2. Duties

This Policy applies to all Provide Community Group staff on all sites and includes agency staff and contractors.

Provide Community Group recognises the gender bias of domestic abuse and that over 85% of survivors and victims of domestic abuse are women and the majority of perpetrators are men. Provide Community Group recognises that domestic abuse is experienced by individuals in same sex relationships, by men from women partners, and by family members. This Policy is applicable whatever the nature of the personal connection as outlined in the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (1992) Provide Community Group recognises its legal responsibilities in promoting the Health, safety and welfare of persons at work as well as protecting anyone within the premises even if not working. A full equality impact assessment has been conducted.

The Organisation is committed to safeguarding adults and children in all areas for which we are commissioned to provide services, whilst also being mindful of the need to protect the confidentiality of staff and service user’s information.

3. Definitions

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines Domestic abuse as:

Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if(a) A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and (b) the behaviour is abusive.

Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following(a) physical or sexual abuse; (b) violent or threatening behaviour; (c) controlling or coercive behaviour; (d) economic abuse (see below); (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse;

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

“Economic abuse” means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B’s ability to(a) acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or (b) obtain goods or services.

For the purposes of this Act, A’s behaviour may be behaviour “towards” B despite the fact that it consists of conduct directed at another person (for example, B’s child).

Definition of “personally connected”

For the purposes of the Act, two people are “personally connected” to each other if any of the following applies –

(a) they are, or have been, married to each other;

(b) they are, or have been, civil partners of each other;

(d) they have entered into a civil partnership agreement (whether or not the agreement has been terminated);

(e) they are, or have been, in an intimate personal relationship with each other;

(f) they each have, or there has been a time when they each have had, a parental relationship in relation to the same child (see Below)

(g) they are relatives.

A person has a parental relationship in relation to a child if –(a) the person is a parent of the child, or (b) the person has parental responsibility for the child.

Children as victims of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse has a significant impact on children and young people of all ages (up to 18 years old). Section 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children as victims of domestic abuse for the purposes of the Act if the child sees, hears, or experiences the effects of the abuse, and is related to, or falls under “parental responsibility” of, the victim and/or perpetrator of the domestic abuse. A child might therefore be considered a victim of domestic abuse under the 2021 Act where one parent is abusing another parent, or where a parent is abusing, or being abused by, a partner or relative.

In their 2020 annual report, the Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel found that domestic abuse was featured in 43% of incidents involving serious harm and 41% of fatal incidents. For the most high-risk cases of domestic abuse that are referred locally to MARAC, there were an estimated 13 children for every ten cases (2019 to 2020), further highlighting the prevalence of children and young people affected by domestic abuse. Evidence suggests many children who experience domestic abuse are not identified and may therefore miss out on support.

Non-physical forms of domestic abuse like coercive control have a significant impact on children and professionals focused on physical acts of violence may fail to understand the daily experience of victims and children, how it is affecting them, and the level of risk posed by perpetrators.

Young people can experience domestic abuse within their relationships. Teenagers may not self-identify as victims. They may perceive their relationships to be ‘casual’, for example engaging in multiple romantic and sexual partners through dating apps. Whilst young people under the age of 16 can experience abuse in a relationship, it would be considered child abuse as a matter of law. In responding to cases of abuse involving those under 18, child safeguarding procedures should be followed

4. Honour Based Abuse (HBA)

The term ‘crimes of honour’ encompasses a variety of manifestations of violence, mostly against women: including murder, termed ‘honour killings’, assault, confinement or imprisonment and interference with choice in marriage where the publicly articulated justification is attributed to a social order claimed to require the preservation of a concept of honour vested in male family and or conjugal control over women and women’s sexual conduct - actual, suspected or potential. Honour based abuse is typically carried out by a member or members of the family or extended family and is

likely to involve behaviours specified in the statutory definition of domestic abuse in the Domestic Abuse Act2021.

Often HBA and Forced Marriage are seen as synonymous, but there are differences, HBA which may include emotional psychological sexual and physical abuse, is a reaction to what is perceived as immoral behaviour that brings Shame/Izzat Namous/Sharaf on the family or community. Immoral behaviours include: running away/ coming home late, ideological differences between parents and children, westernisation, refusing an arranged marriage, relationships outside marriage. relationships outside the approved group, causing gossip, inappropriate make up or dress, loss of virginity, pregnancy, homosexuality, reporting/fleeing abusive relationships or forced marriage, girls who allow themselves to be raped. Sometimes a rumour about a family member doing one or more of the above is enough to elicit an abusive reaction.

Victims from such groups and communities may face additional barriers in reporting the abuse or accessing support services. Honour based abuse has been identified to stem from traditional notions of patriarchy and gender roles. However, victims may be female or male and those at risk can include individuals who are LGBT. Conversion therapy and the so-called corrective rape of LGBT victims may be a form of ‘honour’based abuse.

Prevalence

In the UK there are 12-15 murders in the name of honour per year:

• 1:8 Girls are murdered by their Father

• South Asian women in the UK are 3 times more likely to commit suicide than white women

• 17,000 reported incidents of HBA in UK annually

• 2725 HBA offences recorded by Police in England and wales in 2020-21 18% increase. This included 28 FGM offences and 125 forced marriage offences. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/statistics-on-so-called-honourbased-abuse-offences-england-and-wales-2020-to-2021/statistics-on-socalled-honour-based-abuse-offences-england-and-wales-2020-to-2021

One Chance Rule

If someone discloses that they are to be a Victim of Honour based abuse, FGM or Forced Marriage you have one chance and one chance only to get them some help before they are either taken out of the UK, mutilated or possibly killed. Practitioners need to be aware of their responsibilities and obligations when they come across cases of Honour Based Abuse. If the Victim is allowed to walk away without any support being offered that one chance could be lost.

When coming across cases of Honour Based Abuse including Forced Marriage and FGM Practitioners should: -

• See the person immediately in a secure and private place where not overheard

• See the person alone and establish all the facts

• Explain all options, recognise and respect their wishes

• Contact Police

• If under 18 years follow Local Child Protection Procedures

• If adult, follow local Safeguarding Adults Procedures

• Reassure regarding confidentiality

• Offer to make a repeat appointment and give an appointment card as this gives legitimate reason to remain in locality

• Discuss action if DNA

• Record keeping

• Always use accredited Interpreters

1. Contact 020 3974 1034

2. Provide Access Code 21394983#

3. Then email: Provide.customerservices@nhs.net

4. Contact Customer services for support

Practitioners should not:

• Send the person away

• Ignore what they are told or dismiss the need for immediate protection

• Approach family members or community

• Share information with anyone without their express consent

• Breach confidentiality

• Attempt to act as mediator

• Never use family members/members of local community as interpreters

5. Forced Marriage

‘Marriage shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses (Universal Declaration of Human Rights Article 16(2).

Forced marriage is an offence under section 121 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. A forced marriage is a marriage in which one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it. Force can include physical, psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. In the cases of vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to consent to marriage, coercion is not required for a marriage to be forced.

Sections 121 and 122 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 state that a person commits an offence under the law in England and Wales if he or she “uses violence, threats or any other form of coercion for the purpose of causing another person to enter into a marriage and believes, or ought reasonably to believe, that the conduct may cause the other person to enter into the marriage without free and full consent.” It also states that forced marriage can be committed if a person lacks capacity, whether or not coercion plays a part. If the person is found guilty on indictment, the maximum penalty is seven years’ imprisonment. The Act also makes it an offence to lure someone overseas for the purpose of forced marriage.

A forced marriage is not the same as an arranged marriage. There are clear distinctions between them. In an arranged marriage, the families of both spouses take a leading role in the arrangements, but the choice of whether to go ahead with the marriage remains the decision of the prospective spouses. However, in a forced marriage, one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage but are coerced into it. An arranged marriage can, however, become a forced marriage if there is any form of coercion. Forcing someone to marry against their will can include in some cases

physical violence and/or psychological, financial, sexual and emotional pressure. In cases of vulnerable adults who lack the capacity to consent, coercion is not required for a marriage to be forced. (HM Gov 2022)

Forced marriage typically occurs in the context of ‘honour’-based abuse, and involves the use of violence, threats or any other form of coercion against a person with the intention or belief that the conduct may cause a person to enter into a marriage without consent. This includes non-binding traditional, or unofficial marriages. Forced marriage is recognised as a form of domestic abuse - if carried out by someone with a personal connection to the victim and where both parties are at least 16 years old.

Legally children in the UK cannot marry under the age of 16. Forced marriage can happen to both males and females although most cases involve girls and young women aged between 13 and 30. Forced Marriage is a form of child abuse and domestic abuse. Cases should be tackled using existing child protection structures if the Victim is under 18 years or Adult safeguarding procedures if over 18.

Young people may have an increased risk of Forced Marriage if they have disclosed sexual abuse, as families may feel that this has brought shame on the family and that marriage will restore the family honour and may also put a stop to the abuse. Young people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender may also be at greater risk as their parents may feel that by forcing them to marry their sexuality will not be questioned and parents may also feel that this will cure their child of what they perceive to be abnormal sexual practices.

Young people who are forced to marry are frequently withdrawn from education and their personal development restricted. They may suffer emotionally and be threatened with disownment if they go against their parents’ wishes and suffer with depression self-harm. Victims may be subjected to sexual and physical abuse and ongoing domestic abuse within the marriage. They may be subjected to repeated rape until pregnancy is confirmed. In some cases, they will suffer abuse from the extended family, often being forced to undertake all the household chores. Young people with a learning or physical disability or illness are at increased risk of forced marriage and their vulnerability may make it more difficult for them to report abuse or to leave an abusive situation.

Forced Marriage Protection Order (FMPO)

A FMPO is a civil law measure which can be sought under section 63 of the Family Law Act 1996. The aim of a FMPO is to protect and safeguard a person who has been, or is being, forced into marriage. FMPOs are made by the family courts and can be made in emergency situations so that immediate and enforceable protection can be put in place. This is known as an ex-parte or without notice order as the relevant documents will not have been served on the respondents. A FMPO is unique to each case and contains legally binding prohibitions, restrictions and/or requirements relating to and directions aimed at changing the behaviour of a person or persons who force or attempt to force someone into marriage that they have not consented to. Breach of a FMPO is a criminal offence with a maximum sentence of five years’ imprisonment. For children an application for a care or supervision order can be made under the Children Act 1989. Adults can seek an order for protection from harassment or nonmolestation.

Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) is a joint Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office unit, who can offer support to British nationals who are facing forced marriage abroad by assisting them to a place of safety and helping them return to the UK. They also run a public helpline to provide confidential and support to Victims and

Practitioners handling cases of forced marriage and will talk through with them their options.

Practitioners who come across cases of Forced Marriage should remember the One Chance Rule. Support for victims can be accessed by calling Call:

• FMU 0207 008 0151 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

• (+44) (0) 207 008 1500 Global Response Centre (out of hours) Email: FMU@fco.gov.uk

Or email:

• fmu@fco.gov.uk

6 Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM is a criminal offence – it is child abuse and a form of violence against women and girls, and therefore should be treated as such. Cases should be dealt with as part of existing structures, policies and procedures on child protection and adult safeguarding. There are, however, particular characteristics of FGM that front-line professionals should be aware of to ensure that they can provide appropriate protection and support to those affected.

The term Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) comprises all procedures involving the partial or total removal of the external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. FGM is recognized internationally as a violation of the human rights of girls and women. It reflects deep-rooted inequality between the sexes, and constitutes an extreme form of discrimination against women. It is nearly always carried out on minors and is a violation of the rights of children. The practice also violates a person's rights to health, security and physical integrity, the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, and the right to life when the procedure results in death. Female genital mutilation has no health benefits, and it harms girls and women in many ways. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue and interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. Procedures are mostly carried out on young girls sometime between infancy and adolescence, and occasionally on adult women. Female genital mutilation has been a criminal offence in the UK since 1985. In 2003 it also became a criminal offence for UK nationals or permanent UK residents to take their child abroad to have female genital mutilation. Anyone found guilty of the offence faces a maximum penalty of 14 years in prison. In 2019 the Children Act 1989 (Amendment) (Female Genital Mutilation) Act 2019 received royal assessment and enables applications to the Family Courts to make a Female Genital Mutilation Protection Order within Children Act proceedings. These orders can include restrictions such as surrendering the passport and breaching the order is a criminal offence

The World Health Organisation has classified the different types of FGM as tabulated below:

World Health Organisation (WHO, 2020) Classification of Female Genital Mutilation

www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/female-genital-mutilation

Type I Clitoridectomy

Type II Excision

Partial or total removal of the Clitoral glans and or the prepuce/clitoral hood

partial or total removal of clitoral glans and the labia minora, with or without excision of the labia majora

Type III Infibulation Narrowing of vaginal orifice with the creation of a covering seal by cutting and appositioning the labia minora and or labia majora with or without excision of the clitoris.

Type IV

All other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, for example: pricking, piercing, scraping and cauterisation.

Female Genital mutilation is medically unnecessary as it interferes with the normal functioning of the external female genitalia and can give rise to a range of physical health complications, including severe pain (as this is often completed without anaesthetic) bleeding, shock, urinary retention, infections, injury to neighbouring organs and death. Death from uncontrolled bleeding from the clitoral artery has occurred even when performed by a skilled health professional.

World Health Organisation (WHO, 2020) noted that women with FGM are significantly more likely to have adverse obstetric outcomes and psychological effects such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.

WHO estimates that 100-140 million girls/women worldwide are Victims of FGM with highest prevalence (>90%) in Somalia, Sudan, Djibouti, Egypt, Guinea and Sierra Leone. Due to increases in International migration FGM is also practiced among migrant communities in many countries including the UK and Europe. Whilst FGM is most commonly performed on girls aged 5-14 it can be at any age from birth to adulthood. For some women FGM will be repeated following each pregnancy.

The Law

FGM is illegal in England and Wales under the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003. As amended by the Serious Crime Act 2015, the Female Genital Mutilation Act 2003 now includes:

• An offence of failing to protect a girl from the risk of FGM;

• Extra-territorial jurisdiction over offences of FGM committed abroad by UK nationals and those habitually (as well as permanently) resident in the UK

• Lifelong anonymity for victims of FGM; • FGM Protection Orders which can be used to protect girls at risk; and

• A mandatory reporting duty which requires specified professionals to report known cases of FGM in under 18s to the police.

All Provide staff have a statutory duty to report any cases of child maltreatment including FGM. Any girls identified as having undergone FGM must be notified to the local Police and Children’s Social Care and will require monitoring until they are of an age when they can speak about FGM and are able to seek protection for themselves.

Mandatory reporting

From October 2015 regulated health and social care professionals and teachers in England and Wales are required to report cases of FGM in girls under 18 which they identify in the course of their professional work to the Police. This is a personal duty and must be reported by the professional who identifies FGM or receives the disclosure. See Flow chart in Appendix A.

In 2019-20 74 cases of FGM were reported to the Police via the Mandatory reporting duty.

Reporting to Police on 101 should be completed by the close of the next working day. Failure to comply may be considered through existing Fitness to Practice proceedings with the relevant professional regulating body.

Consideration must be given as to the risk to any other female children within the household who would be considered as children in need of protection

FGM is not a matter that can be left to be decided by personal preference- it is an extremely harmful practice. Professionals should not let fears of being branded racist or discriminatory weaken the protection required by vulnerable women and girls.

Provide Community Group Staff should not consider that FGM cases are historic but should ascertain the circumstances under which the FGM has taken place. Information sharing is a crucial part of early intervention and prevention.

When cases of FGM are identified Staff should collect the following information: -

• What type of FGM has been conducted

• Country of origin

• Ongoing cultural links to the country of origin

• When FGM was performed

• Where FGM was performed

• Any interventions undertaken

• Referrals to appropriate services.

Access to language interpretation services may be required and accredited Interpreters should always be used. Never use family or members of the local Community as they may not interpret accurately and may have a vested interest in supporting this practice.

• Contact 020 3974 1034

• Provide Access Code 21394983#

• Then email: Provide.customerservices@nhs.net

• Contact Customer services for support

All women and girls who have undergone FGM should be referred to support services for medical and psychological assessment as appropriate.

Practitioners visiting a Mother known to have undergone FGM should ensure that the family is aware of its illegality in the UK and to consider the needs of any future child as well as any other female children who may already be born, or resident in the household with the woman, who may need safeguarding.

High quality information on the effects of FGM (health, psychological, and rightsbased) should be provided to all women identified as having FGM.

Healthcare Practitioners need to follow the “one chance” rule as outlined above. This states that the attending professional may only have one chance to speak to the Victim and prevent future harm.

Professionals should identify girls at risk of FGM as early as possible. All suspected cases should be referred as part of existing child safeguarding obligations. Sustained information and support should be given to families to protect girls at risk.

A Multiagency approach is required and all relevant staff involved with safeguarding the family should be aware including the GP, the health visitor, school nurse and safeguarding leads in schools so that they can engage in continuous dialogue and provide information to parents about the illegality of FGM and monitor girls at risk.

Girls from FGM-practising communities who are put on child protection registers for other forms of abuse and those who come into contact with youth offending teams and EmotionalWellbeing andMental Health Service (EWMHS) should be askedabout their risk or experiences of FGM by trained professionals.

Provide Community Group staff have a key role in health promotion and may include helping and supporting families to break the cycle of FGM. Children’s practitioners may receive disclosures from girls that lead them to suspect that they are at risk.

All responsible agencies should promote and signpost at-risk girls and women to ageappropriate information and support services such as the NSPCC Helpline and Specialist FGM Clinics.

• NSPCC Helpline 0800 028 355

• fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk

• www.fco.gov.uk/fgm

FGM Specialist Services (See Appendix B).

7 Modern Slavery

Slavery is not an issue that is confined to history or that only exists in certain countries. It is still happening today globally including the UK. Victims can be men women or children of all ages and across the population. It is usually more prevalent amongst most vulnerable minority or socially excluded groups.

The link between modern slavery and domestic abuse is when Victims are trafficked or exploited by parents or family members for purposes such as sexual exploitation, criminal activity including cannabis cultivation and street crime, informal care arrangements where young people may be given multiple identities and passed between different households to enable fraudulent benefits to be claimed, domestic servitude, forced marriage or illegal adoption.

Staff need to be aware that potential Victims personal circumstances such as being a child of or relative of a known Victim or trafficker and any mental or physical illness which may make a person more vulnerable.

There are different types of modern slavery including: Child Trafficking, Forced or compulsory labour with or without debt bondage, Sexual exploitation, removal of organs, domestic servitude and securing services by threats force or deception

The Signs:

• Physical appearance: Victims may show signs of physical abuse, may look malnourished, unkempt or appear withdrawn

• Isolation: Victims may rarely be allowed to travel on their own, seem under the control or influence of others, rarely interact or appear unfamiliar with the local neighbourhood or workplace

• Poor Living conditions: Victims may be living in dirty, cramped or overcrowded accommodation and may be living and working at the same address

• Few or no personal effects: Victims may have no identification papers/ passport, have few personal possessions and always wear the same clothes, which may be unsuitable for their work

• Restricted freedom of movement: Victims may have little opportunity to move freely and may have had their passport retained

• Unusual travel times: Victims may be dropped off or picked up for more work on a regular basis either very early or late at night

• Reluctant to seek help: Victims may avoid eye contact, appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers and fear law enforcers for many reasons, such as not knowing who to trust or way to get help, fear of deportation, fear of violence to them or to their family

Victims of modern slavery who may need Healthcare are more likely to be seen at Hospital Emergency Departments or minor injury units. Staff need to be alert to inconsistencies in addresses, deliberate vagueness and children or carers being unable to give details of dates of birth, next of kin, telephone numbers, or addresses. Staff need to be alert to holiday addresses and any emerging patterns that would suggest large numbers of children moving in and out of one address.

If any staff become aware of any Victims of modern slavery they should seek immediate advice and contact the local Police. Child Protection Procedures should always be applied where there is a suspicion that a Victim is under 18 years and the Police or Children’s Social Care should be alerted.

Help can be obtained from:

Police ring 999 or 101 non-emergency line

Social Care

Modern Slavery Helpline; 0800 0121 700 www.modernslavery.co.uk/report-it

Anti-slavery International 0207 501 8920 www.antislavery.org

NSPCC 0808 800 5000

Barnardos 0208 550 8822

Childline 0800 11 11

8 Responding to a disclosure

Given that less than 1 in 5 victims report their abuse to the police, many victims of domestic abuse do not come into contact with the criminal justice system. It is therefore important that a wide range of agencies and bodies are able to identify victims and know how to provide the right response. Early intervention by the voluntary sector and statutory agencies working together can help to protect adults and children from further harm, as well as preventing escalation and recurrence of abuse

Routine Enquiry

All Provide Community Group staff in public facing services should be trained to make enquiries into domestic abuse to ensure they are Making Every Contact Count. To provide the best support to victims of domestic abuse, it is essential that health and care staff have the tools and confidence required to identify potential victims, sensitively, intervene at an early stage where possible, and refer on as appropriate. It is critical that all health professionals understand the need to enquire about domestic abuse, and how to do this safely, if they are concerned that a patient may be experiencing or perpetrating it

Questions about Domestic Abuse should be part of all holistic assessments of patients and clients. Most Victims find it very difficult to make a disclosure to professionals and Routine enquiry removes any stigma from Victims and opens up dialogue which gives victims the opportunity to discuss any concerns.

Under NICE Quality Standards QS116 health and social care professionals are expected to be trained to recognise indicators of domestic violence and abuse and respond appropriately. When staff become aware of domestic abuse, the safety of the Victim and any children are paramount.

• When discussing domestic abuse with a Victim it is imperative that they are alone. Health professionals should never raise the subject of domestic abuse if anybody else (including friends or family members) are present. The one exception would be an independent interpreter if required

• Staff should use straightforward direct questions re domestic abuse, (see Safe lives ‘Asking the question, an aide memoir,’ in Appendix C). Routine enquiry should always be coupled with the provision of information, irrespective of disclosure. Therefore, helpline numbers, advice cards etc. should still be given discreetly

• The Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment, and Honour Based Violence, Risk Assessment (DASH, 2009) should be used to assess the level of risk that the Victim is at (available in communications and letters on electronic records). A MARAC referral can be completed by the Provide Safeguarding team, if the score is 14 ticks or more or if in the professional judgement of the assessor the Victim is at imminent risk of homicide. The DASH Risk Assessment should only be completed by staff that have completed appropriate training and feel competent to use it. The Safeguarding Team can support staff members who are not confident to complete the DASH Risk assessment.

Safety Planning

Check with the Victim what help they want and respect their decisions if safe to do so. Practitioners should respect the victim’s wishes and not insist that the victim leaves the relationship. Statistically, the risk of more serious assaults, permanent injury or murder rises significantly when a victim tries to end a relationship. It is therefore important, when dealing with a disclosure, not to underestimate the danger or assume that a victim’s fear is exaggerated. Offer support and referral to Multi agency teams.

Ascertain if any children are living in the house – obtain details: Name, Address, Date of Birth, School and if not living together, any Child contact arrangements with the abusive partner, that are in place.

Assess immediate safety of the children – where are they, are they with the abusive partner or other family members?

Make a preliminary determination of the degree of exposure of the children to the incidents of violence and its consequent impact.

Ascertain if the Victim is pregnant.

Professionals who are trained to do so can use tools such as the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment (DASH) risk assessment to help identify the level of risk an individual is facing and to tailor their support accordingly. The DASH risk assessment is not a definitive assessment of risk but provides for the identification and assessment of risk based on structured professional judgment. Professionals using this, or other risk assessment tools, should be alert to the risk to children as well as adults. It is essential to identify changes, such as escalation in severity and/or frequency of abuse. Risk assessments should holistically encompass specialist professional judgement, survivor perceptions of risk, along with additional indicators relevant to minority groups.

Discuss referral to Local Police Domestic Abuse & Safeguarding Team, who will offer advice, protection and safety planning. If the Victim is considered to be high risk following a DASH risk assessment, then you can share information with the Multiagency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and Police, without the victim’s consent.

Consider referral to MARAC, Victims should normally be informed of this decision. Completed referral forms should be forwarded to the local MARAC Coordinator with support from the Provide Safeguarding team

Discuss with the Victim a referral to Social Care if there are indications that the children are at risk of significant harm, a referral must be made to Children’s Social Care even if Victim does not consent. Social Care may offer additional support and advice and if necessary a place of safety for the Victim and children.

For adults with a disability including Learning Disability or Autism, or where the victim is elderly, consider a referral to Adult Social Care in line with Safeguarding Adults at Risk of Abuse Policy (SGPRO7).

Record the disclosure in the patient electronic record, be clear, specific and factual and use the words as spoken by the Victim.

Consider contacting local specialist IDVA support for advice with legal issues, housing, benefits and access to refuge.

(See Appendix D for support Agencies in your area)

Information Sharing

The response to domestic abuse is a complex one that spans several statutory and non-statutory agencies, including but not limited to, local authorities, community-based agencies, children’s services, schools, housing, health (including mental health), drug and alcohol services, specialist domestic abuse agencies, the police and the criminal justice system. Wider organisations, such as employers and financial services institutions also have a role to play. Agencies have a responsibility to work together

effectively to provide support and protection to victims of domestic abuse. This can be through strategic planning, co-commissioning and creating joined-up services. Working together is essential to help with identifying domestic abuse at an early stage and with responding to domestic abuse in a manner that can reduce the risk of escalation. It is vital to appropriately safeguard victims, including children, regardless of the level of risk.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, reinforces that agencies must work together and share information to ensure they are able to draw on all the available information held within each agency to build a full picture of the victims, including children, and perpetrators. This includes looking holistically at an individual’s case and circumstances to identify appropriate multi-agency support. All agencies have a duty to assess whether a safeguarding response is required before referring an incident to a multi-agency partnership.

It is important to understand and explain to Victims of abuse, if they have revealed or a health professional has good reason to believe domestic abuse is/has been experienced that there are limits to confidentiality. For example, if there is reason to suspect children or vulnerable adults are at risk, and would be under the auspices of the Children Act 1989, Care Act 2014, or under Section 29 of Data Protection Act (the prevention and detection of crime and apprehension of offenders). Safeguarding and Child protection should always take precedence over confidentiality.

As with all safeguarding concerns, documentation should be in line with Provide Community Group and national record keeping guidelines and standards.

Ensure confidentiality is maintained re place of safety. Reminders can be placed on electronic records ‘Address not to be disclosed without permission from….’ Insert name of victim (if child, then insert name of non-abusive carer).

The physical address for the refuges should not be used on any correspondence. Please ensure that the PO Box number is used. If records are requested by Perpetrators of abuse who are estrangedfrom thefamily, the whereaboutsof the family should be redacted. This is especially important for those fleeing Honour Based Abuse.

If uncertain regarding sharing information always seek advice from Line Manager, Safeguarding Team, or Caldicott Guardian.

9 Managing Staff who may be Experiencing or Perpetrating Domestic Abuse

Provide Community Group recognises that our Employees may be affected by domestic abuse as either a survivor of domestic abuse, an individual who is currently living with domestic abuse, someone who has been impacted by a domestic homicide or as an individual who perpetrates domestic abuse.

Provide Community Group believes that everyone has the right to live free from abuse; that domestic abuse is unacceptable and is committed to developing a workplace culture in which there is zero tolerance for domestic abuse. Provide recognises that domestic abuse is an equalities issue.

This Policy sets out the actions that will be taken in responding to Employees who are experiencing domestic abuse and where there is a concern that an Employee is a Perpetrator of domestic abuse.

Confidentiality and Privacy

Employees who disclose experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse can be assured that the information they share is confidential and will not be shared with other members of staff.

There are circumstances in which confidentiality cannot be assured. These are situations where there are concerns about children or vulnerable adults or where Provide needs to act to protect the safety of Employees or clients

Improper disclosures of information – breaches in confidentiality by any member of staff will be taken seriously and may be subject to disciplinary action.

Employees experiencing domestic abuse may choose to be accompanied at any subsequent meeting with their manager by a colleague, trade union representative or a friend.

Provide Community Group respects the Employee’s right to privacy. While Provide strongly encourages Victims of domestic abuse to disclose abuse for the safety of themselves and all those in the workplace, it does not force Employees to share this information if they do not wish to.

Provide Community Group does require Perpetrators of domestic abuse to declare any related prosecutions.

Provide will not discriminate against anyone who has been subject to domestic abuse both in terms of current employment or future development.

If an Employee discloses domestic abuse during disciplinary procedures or in relation to performance or absenteeism this should be considered and dealt with sympathetically, following advice from Human Resources and Senior Managers. If it is felt the issue can be resolved by addressing the support or safety needs of the Employee the relevant process may be suspended.

Special or extended leave may be considered if employees need to go into refuge, or to enable them to attend appointments with Police, solicitors, or Specialist Domestic abuse services. Security measures may be required such as restricting access to buildings, safer parking arrangements, change of base and shift patterns.

Awareness Raising and Early Intervention

Provide Community Group will strive to create a work place environment which is alert to signs and indicators of domestic abuse and one in which Employees feel supported to use the established confidential mechanisms to disclose experiencing abuse or perpetrating abuse.

All Employees will be made aware of this Policy through a range of methods including induction, training, Noticeboard, and MyCompliance.

Role of work colleagues

Provide Community Group encourages all Employees to refer to this Policy and seek advice from their line manager or the Safeguarding Team if they suspect a colleague

is experiencing or perpetrating domestic abuse. In dealing with a disclosure from an Employee regarding a concern for another colleague the manager should ensure that the Employee is made aware of this Policy and that there is internal and external support available. Provide will discuss appropriate cases with Local Authority’s Designated Officer (LADO).

Provide acknowledged that developing a life free of domestic abuse is not a single event but a process that will take time and so Provide will provide on-going support to the Employee.

Sources of internal and external support are identified in Appendix 6 of this Policy.

Safety Planning

When an Employee discloses domestic abuse Provide will encourage the Employee to contact a specialist support agency and will undertake a DASH Risk Assessment (DASH, 2009)

Provide Community Group will work with the Employee (with their consent) and the specialist agency, to identify what actions can be taken to increase their personal safety and address any risks posed to colleagues.

Managers dealing with incidents of violence and abuse against its Employees in the course of their duties may need to consider such behaviours from violent partners or ex-partners attending the workplace, making abusive calls, intimidating, harassing or stalking an Employee. Managers will have to consider operationally appropriate measures to ensure Employee and client safety.

Such behaviours can be addressed by:

• Improving security measures, such as changing keypad numbers, and ensuring secure access to buildings

• Reminding personnel not to divulge personal information about Employees including shift patterns

• If possible offering assistance to reduce risk both at work and travelling for work and Employees working environment such as change to shift patterns, change work base, change office layout so not visible from door or windows. It may be possible to offer change in duties or relocation

• ensure robust systems for recording incidents of harassment to an Employee are in place

• Provide Community Group will need to consider the need to apply for an injunction if the actions of an alleged Perpetrator impinge on the health and safety of clients and Employees

• Managers should look sympathetically at reasonable requests for time off for Employees who have disclosed that they are experiencing domestic abuse, in order for appointments with support services, housing, Police, solicitors and court appearances

• Employees experiencing domestic abuse may have high levels of sickness absence and be more vulnerable to stress at work and may require referral to occupational health for support

Perpetrators of Domestic Abuse

Provide Community Group Employees should be aware that Domestic abuse is a serious matter that could lead to a criminal conviction and disciplinary procedures against an Employee who is perpetrating domestic abuse.

Provide Community Group recognises that failure to identify staff as Perpetrators and take appropriate action, could put service users at risk, undermine confidence in the Organisation and damage Provide’s reputation.

Domestic abuse perpetrated by Employees will not be condoned under any circumstances nor will it be treated as a private matter. Provide Community Group recognises that as an Organisation it has a role in supporting Employees to address violent and abusive behaviour of all kinds.

If an Employee approaches Provide Community Group about their abusive behaviour Provide will offer information about the services and support available to them including the Change Project which delivers a community based domestic abuse perpetrator programme for those who want to stop being abusive towards intimate partners. This is currently being run across Essex, Bedford, Hertfordshire, Norfolk and Suffolk.

Provide CommunityGroup will treat any allegation, disclosure or conviction of domestic abuse on a case by case basis with the aim of reducing risk to Provide Community Group staff and clients. The safety of Provide staff and clients is paramount however; Provide Community Group will seek as far as is practicable to support the Employee in the process of addressing the issue of domestic abuse and achieving a change in behaviour.

This Policy may be applied to domestic abuse situations involving a Provide Community Group Employee including:

• Abusive behaviour that has harmed or threatened his/her partner

• Criminal offence committed against his/her partner

• Allegations made against him/her of domestic abuse

• Concerns relating to his/her behaviour within the context of an intimate relationship

Provide Community Group is committed to ensuring allegations are dealt with fairly and support is available for the subject of the allegation. All investigations will be dealt with quickly to avoid unnecessary delays.

The accused member of Provide Community Group staff must be assured that they will be treated fairly and honestly and assisted in understanding the concerns expressed and processes involved.

In considering an allegation Provide Community Group will explore the following areas:

• Police investigation and possible criminal offence

• Disciplinary action against the Employee

• The need for specialist safety focussed counselling

• The risk to Provide clients and staff posed by the Perpetrator

Any Provide Community Group Manager and/or Employee giving advice to a Provide Community Group Employee relating to domestic abuse must be aware of the potential consequences should the Employee be found to be a Perpetrator of domestic abuse.

Should any Provide Community Group Employee be found to be assisting a Perpetrator of domestic abuse by giving access to telephones or emails will themselves be seen as having committed a disciplinary offence.

If it becomes evident a Provide Community Group Employee has made a malicious allegation against another Employee relating to perpetrating domestic abuse this will be treated as a serious disciplinary matter.

Any employee who has injunctions in place against them such as a Non-Molestation Order, Restraining Order or Occupation Order in place against them should declare this to Provide Community Group . If their job involves working with or coming into contact with children or vulnerable adults a change in role may be considered.

Provide Community Group will take disciplinary action against any employee who uses the time, property or the resources of the organisation to abuse a partner or family member.

Provide Community Group will take action, as appropriate, to minimise the potential for an alleged perpetrator to use their position or resources to find out the whereabouts, or other details, of their partner/ex-partner or children.

Case where the Victim and Perpetrator Both Work within Provide

Allegations of harassment and intimidation by Employees against a partner or expartner who also works for Provide Community Group, even when this happens outside the workplace should be handled with sensitivity in light of the duty of care towards the complainant.

Action will be taken by Provide Community Group to ensure the safety of the Victim and other Provide Community Group staff as well as risks to Provide clients.

In addition to the possibility of disciplinary action against the Perpetrator Provide will seek to ensure the safety of the Victim by taking measure to ensure the Victim and Perpetrator do not come into contact in the workplace.

Provide Community Group will ensure that the Perpetrator of abuse does not use their position in Provide Community Group or Provide Community Group resources to continue the abuse in the workplace or to discover the location of the Victim. Click here to enter text.

Appendix

Appendix B: FGM Specialist Health Services and resources for staff

LONDON

African Well Women’s Clinic

Guys and St Thomas’s Hospital

LambethPalace Road

London SE1 7EH 0207 118 6872

African Well Women’s Clinic

Northwick Park & ST Mark’s Hospital Watford Road,Harrow MiddlesexHA1 3UJ 0208 869 2880

Women’s and Young people’s Services Sylvia PankhurstHealth Centre

Mile End Hospital BancroftRoad

London E1 4DG 0207 377 7898

Gynaecologyand MidwiferyDepartment

Chelsea & Westminster Hospital

369 Fulham Road

London SW10 9NH 0203 315 8000

Waltham Forest African Well Women’s Services.

75 OliverRoad

Leyton

London E10 5LG 0208 430 8210

African Well Women’s Clinic

Central Middlesex Hospital Acton LaneParkRoyal London NW107NS 0208 963 7180

African Well Women’s Clinic Whittington Hospital Highgate Hill London N19 5NF 0207 288 3482

African Women’s Clinic

University College hospital ElizabethGarrettAndersonWing London NW12BU 0845 155 500 ext2531

GynaecologyDepartment

StMary’s Hospital PraedStreet

LondonW21NY 0203 312 6907

ActonHealth Centre 35-61Church Road Acton

LondonW38QE 0208 383 8761

Resources for staff

Nurses and Midwives

https://www.rcn.org.uk/professional-development/publications/pub-005447

Clinicians

https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines-research-services/guidelines/gtg53/

All staff

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/multi-agency-statutory-guidanceon-female-genital-mutilation

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/safeguarding-women-and-girlsat-risk-of-fgm

Appendix C: Asking the Question- An Aide Memoire (SafeLives)

Possible opening questions/statements:

We know that domestic abuse affects 1 in 4 women and so we ask all our clients about their experiences. What is your home life/relationship like?

How are things at home?

I notice you have a number of bruises/cuts/burns. Could you tell me how you got them?

I’m sorry if someone has already asked you this and I don’t wish to cause you any offence, but because we know that violence at home is so common we ask everyone. Are you happy at home? Do you have any problems?

Since violence at home is common in many people’s lives, I ask all my clients about it and don’t wish to cause offence, do you feel safe and happy at home?

Further possible questions

Have you been in a recent relationship where your partner threatened you with violence?

Have you ever been in a relationship where you have been hit or hurt in some way?

Have you been in a recent relationship where your partner has thrown, broken or punched things?

Are you currently in a relationship where this is happening to you?

Does your partner often lose their temper with you? If they do, what happens?

Does your partner often get jealous of you seeing you friends, talking to other people or going out? If so what happens?

Does your ex/partner or family member shout, swear or insult you?

Is your ex/partner or someone in your family very controlling or jealous of you?

Does your ex/partner or family member threaten you with harm?

Does your ex/partner or family member physically hurt you?

Do you ever feel frightened of your ex/partner or anyone else in your family?

Has your ex/partner or family member ever destroyed or broken things you care about? Threatened to hurt your children/pets/family?

Finally

What can I do for you? What support do you need? This is what I am going to do in response to what you have told me

Always

Consider any individual needs you client may have and any specific needs that may require specialist support (e g cultural or language barriers, alcohol or drug dependency, disability, physical or mental illness)?

Remember your internal and organisational policies and procedures confidentiality and information sharing.

Be aware of local support services, consider DASH and MARAC.

Appendix D: Provide Point of Contact & External Support Agencies

If you require further support please contact:

Provide Safeguarding Team

Provide Headquarters

900 The Crescent Colchester Essex, C04 9YQ

Tel: 0300 303 2642

Email: Provide.Safeguarding@nhs.net

External support agencies

• Police ring 999 or 101 non-emergency line

• Compass (Essex Domestic Abuse Helpline 0330 333 7444 www.essexcompass.org.uk

• National Centre for Domestic Violence 0844 8044 999 www.ncdv.org.uk

• Women’s Aid 0808 2000 247 www.womensaid.org.uk

• Refuge. www.refuge.org.uk freephone

• Police Domestic Abuse & Safeguarding Team 101 or emergency 999

• Stalking Helpline 0808 802 0300

• Community Legal Advice. www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk

• Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse (CARA) 01206367881 www.caraessex.org.uk

• Forced Marriage and Honour Based Violence www.fco.gov.uk/forcedmarriage www.karmanirvana.org.uk www.hennafoundation.org www.southallblacksisters.org.uk

• LGBT Galop (Formerly Broken Rainbow) 0800 999 5428 Website https://galop.org.uk/

• Respect Male Victim Helpline 0808 801 0327

• Mankind (for male victims of abuse). www.mankind.org.uk

• Perpetrator Programmes

The Change Project 01245 258680 www.thechangeproject.org.uk Respect Perpetrator Helpline 0808 802 4040 www.respect.uk.net

• FGM fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk www.fco.gov.uk/fgm

• NSPCC 0808 800 5000

• Barnardos 0208 550 8822

• Childline 0800 11 11

Domestic abuse services in areas where Provide Community Group operate

Cambridge and Peterborough Cambridge and Peterborough Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence Partnership https://www.cambsdasv.org.uk/web

Cambridge Women’s Aid 01223 361214 Peterborough Women’s Aid 01733 894964

Suffolk Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 977 5690 https://www.suffolkdahelpline.org.uk/ Norfolk NIDAS freephone 0300 651 0555

Out of Hours 0808 2000 247 https://nidasnorfolk.co.uk/

Hertfordshire Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 808 8088 https://www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org/

Dorset Paragon 0800 032 5204 https://paragonteam.org.uk/teams/dorset/

React Homecare areas Local domestic Abuse support

Scarborough North Yorkshire Independent Domestic Abuse services https://idas.org.uk/contact/ helpline 03000 110 110 Scarborough office 01723 354 874

Congleton Cheshire Cheshire Without Abuse https://www.mycwa.org.uk/professionals 24/7 helpline 0300 123 5101

Worksop Nottinghamshire Nottingham Women’s Aid https://nottswa.org 01909 533 610

24/7 freephone 0808 800 0340

Doncaster Domestic Abuse Hub https://www.doncaster.gov.uk/services/crime-antisocial-behaviour-nuisance/domestic-abuse-2 Link for self referral & practitioners referral form. 01302 737080

Brigg North Lincolnshire

Blue Door helpline 0800 197 4787 Office 01724 841947

referral form: https://www.thebluedoor.org/ Buxton

Derbyshire

Safer Derbyshire https://www.saferderbyshire.gov.uk/what-wedo/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse.aspx

Buxton

Staffordshire

Loughborough Leicestershire

24/7 helpline 08000 198668

Staffordshire Women’s Aid: 0300 330 5959 https://www.staffordshirewomensaid.org/ ARCH 01782 205500 https://www.combined.nhs.uk/how-to-accessus-in-a-crisis/patient-information/staffordshirespecialist-domestic-and-sexual-violenceresources/

Living Without Abuse https://lwa.org.uk/professionals/ link for online referrals office 01509 550317

Outreach service 0808 802 0028

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT

TEMPLATE: Stage 1: ‘Screening’

Name of project/policy/strategy (hereafter referred to as “initiative”):

Domestic Abuse Policy

Provide a brief summary (bullet points) of the aims of the initiative and main activities:

To Improve staff awareness of how to recognise abuse or respond to a disclosure of Domestic Abuse, Including Forced Marriage, Honour Based Abuse and Female Genital Mutilation.

To Safeguard Children and Adults with care and support needs who are Primary or secondary Victims of Domestic Violence or Abuse.

To assist with managing cases of Domestic Abuse within the Provide Workforce

Project/Policy Manager: Named Nurse Safeguarding Adults and Children Date: 14/09/22

This stage establishes whether a proposed initiative will have an impact from an equality perspective on any particular group of people or community – i.e. on the grounds of race (incl. religion/faith), gender (incl. sexual orientation), age, disability, or whether it is “equality neutral” (i.e. have no effect either positive or negative). In the case of gender, consider whether men and women are affected differently.

Q1. Who will benefit from this initiative? Is there likely to be a positive impact on specific groups/communities (whether or not they are the intended beneficiaries), and if so, how? Or is it clear at this stage that it will be equality “neutral”? i.e. will have no particular effect on any group.

Although it is acknowledged that Domestic Abuse has a strong gender bias in terms of the majority of victims being women (85%) and perpetrators men, all victims will be treated equally whatever their gender, race, religion, age or disability.

Q2. Is there likely to be an adverse impact on one or more minority/under-represented or community groups as a result of this initiative? If so, who may be affected and why? Or is it clear at this stage that it will be equality “neutral”?

Although Honour Based Abuse, including Forced and Female genital mutilation are more prevalent in some Practicing communities originally from known geographical areas they are illegal in this country and must be reported to Police and Social care.

Q3. Is the impact of the initiative – whether positive or negative - significant enough to warrant a more detailed assessment (Stage 2 – see guidance)? If not, will there be monitoring and review to assess the impact over a period time? Briefly (bullet points) give reasons for your answer and any steps you are taking to address particular issues, including any consultation with staff or external groups/agencies.

Guidelines: Things to consider

Equality impact assessments at Provide take account of relevant equality legislation and include age, (i.e. young and old,); race and ethnicity, gender, disability, religion and faith, and sexual orientation. The initiative may have a positive, negative or neutral impact, i.e. have no particular effect on the group/community.

Where a negative (i.e. adverse) impact is identified, it may be appropriate to make a more detailed EIA (see Stage 2), or, as important, take early action to redress this – e.g. by abandoning or modifying the initiative. NB: If the initiative contravenes equality legislation, it must be abandoned or modified.

Where an initiative has a positive impact on groups/community relations, the EIA should make this explicit, to enable the outcomes to be monitored over its lifespan.

Where there is a positive impact on particular groups does this mean there could be an adverse impact on others, and if so can this be justified? - e.g. are there other existing or planned initiatives which redress this?

It may not be possible to provide detailed answers to some of these questions at the start of the initiative. The EIA may identify a lack of relevant data, and that data-gathering is a specific action required to inform the initiative as it develops, and also to form part of a continuing evaluation and review process.

It is envisaged that it will be relatively rare for full impact assessments to be carried out at Provide. Usually, where there are particular problems identified in the screening stage, it is envisaged that the approach will be amended at this stage, and/or setting up a monitoring/evaluation system to review a policy’s impact over time.

EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE: Stage 2:

(To be used where the ‘screening phase has identified a substantial problem/concern)

This stage examines the initiative in more detail in order to obtain further information where required about its potential adverse or positive impact from an equality perspective. It will help inform whether any action needs to be taken and may form part of a continuing assessment framework as the initiative develops.

Q1. What data/information is there on the target beneficiary groups/communities? Are any of these groups under- or over-represented? Do they have access to the same resources? What are your sources of data and are there any gaps?

Q2. Is there a potential for this initiative to have a positive impact, such as tackling discrimination, promoting equality of opportunity and good community relations? If yes, how? Which are the main groups it will have an impact on?

Q3. Will the initiative have an adverse impact on any particular group or community/community relations? If yes, in what way? Will the impact be different for different groups – e.g. men and women?

Q4. Has there been consultation/is consultation planned with stakeholders/ beneficiaries/ staff who will be affected by the initiative? Summarise (bullet points) any important issues arising from the consultation.

Q5. Given your answers to the previous questions, how will your plans be revised to reduce/eliminate negative impact or enhance positive impact? Are there specific factors which need to be taken into account?

Q6. How will the initiative continue to be monitored and evaluated, including its impact on particular groups/ improving community relations? Where appropriate, identify any additional data that will be required.

Guidelines: Things to consider

An initiative may have a positive impact on some sectors of the community but leave others excluded or feeling they are excluded. Consideration should be given to how this can be tackled or minimised. It is important to ensure that relevant groups/communities are identified who should be consulted. This may require taking positive action to engage with those groups who are traditionally less likely to respond to consultations, and could form a specific part of the initiative. The consultation process should form a meaningful part of the initiative as it develops, and help inform any future action.

If the EIA shows an adverse impact, is this because it contravenes any equality legislation? If so, the initiative must be modified or abandoned. There may be another way to meet the objective(s) of the initiative.

Further information:

Useful Websites www.equalityhumanrights.com Website for new Equality agency www.employers-forum.co.uk – Employers forum on disability www.efa.org.uk – Employers forum on age