Investigate requirements for services relating to addressing domestic abuse or sexual violence
Overview
This standard is about investigating requirements for services to address domestic abuse or sexual violence in the local community. It includes your ability to analyse existing provision and to explore opportunities for developing the services required.
This standard is for practitioners who support those experiencing domestic abuse which may include instances of sexual violence.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
1. gather information about your local community which informs understanding of the need for services relating to domestic abuse or sexual violence
2. obtain feedback from relevant others about current provision of services and opportunities for service development
3. develop systems to gather and manage information and knowledge which informs and supports service requirements
4. assess feedback from relevant others to identify trends and patterns which indicate opportunities for developing services for individuals
5. identify existing provision in your community which meets the priorities and needs of individuals
6. identify factors which affect an individual’s take up of existing services or access to current provision
7. share your analysis of service needs, provision and take up with relevant others in line with organisational policies and procedures
8. explore the impact of your analysis with relevant others to identify opportunities for enhancing provision of support and services
9. agree potential opportunities with relevant others to develop and improve services for individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence in your community
10. present information to relevant others in ways that promote understanding
11. maintain confidentiality in line with legal and organisational policies and procedures
12. maintain up to date records in line with your organisations policies and procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
1. legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out, for:
2. national and local initiatives and their impact for developing services towards addressing domestic abuse and sexual violence in your community
3. the provision of services for individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
4. range of agencies and services you may work with
5. your organisation’s remit, role and services for addressing domestic abuse or sexual violence
6. the role of other agencies and organisations involved in addressing domestic abuse or sexual violence and how your organisations role, remit and services relate
7. what constitutes domestic abuse and sexual violence, and its prevalence in your local community
8. signs of domestic abuse or sexual violence and the methods used by abusers to gain power and control
9. the impact of abuse upon all of those affected by it including individuals, children and dependents
10. types and sources of information and support sought by those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
11. types of information available from relevant agencies and other stakeholders appropriate to establishing needs for services
12. how intersectionality impacts on how an individual experiences services
13. methods of obtaining feedback from service users or other agencies and stakeholders
14. relevant research methods for obtaining feedback and information
15. the importance of checking objectivity when evaluating feedback
16. factors to consider when assessing validity of feedback
17. the implications the interests of others can have when identifying and evaluating opportunities for services
18. the nature and extent of current services and provision in your local community
19. the demographics and diversity of your local community and service users
20. trends, patterns and developments in the provision of services
21. the importance of checking for gaps in current provision against the needs of your local community and how to do so
22. the importance of confirming your research is sufficient to justify conclusions drawn from its results
23. the importance of confirming that opportunities identified meet your
organisation’s role, remit and services
24. sources of information and support when researching and investigating community needs
25. opportunities for enhancing the services provided
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Domestic Abuse
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.
The abuse can encompass but is not limited to, a combination of psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional abuse.
This definition also includes so-called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage. Children also experience domestic abuse when witnessing domestic abuse.
Intersectionality
The interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantage
Needs led approach
a way of working to ensure that the support offered to someone experiencing domestic abuse is offered based on their needs and that builds on their strengths and resources available to them. It recognises the knowledge they have of the person who is using abuse. With the rights the non-abusive person can build their independence, recover from the trauma they have experienced and gain their life back and source change that lasts
People at risk
An individual who is defined as in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse or neglect
Sexual Abuse
Undesired sexual behaviour by one person to another. This is often carried out by force or be taking advantage of the other person This term is generally used when the sexual behaviour is regular or over a prolonged period of time.
Sexual Assault
Any unwanted sexual behaviour that a person has not consented to.
This can range from rape to voyeurism or exhibitionism, to unwanted touching above or under clothes.
Sexual Violence
Similar in nature to Sexual Abuse, but this term is more often used to describe brief or single incidences, such as if sexually assaulted by a stranger.
Strength based approach
Is an approach to working with individuals that recognises their strength to overcome their experiences
Trauma Informed
an approach to health and care interventions which is grounded in the understanding that trauma exposure can impact on a person. Practitioners in a way so as to not inadvertently retraumatise impacted individuals; and with an emphasis on client safety, choice, collaboration and empowerment.