Develop plans which manage the risk of harm to individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
Overview
This standard is about developing plans designed to manage the risk of harm to individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence and abuse. It involves gathering and assessing relevant information and reviewing the risk and protective factors identified through previous assessments including that from any risk assessments undertaken separately and making recommendations towards appropriate actions.
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. explain to individuals;
• your role and responsibilities
• the purpose of information being gathered
• policies and procedures for confidentiality including informed consent
2. identify information which informs individuals’ plans including:
• risk factors
• the outcomes of need and risk assessments
• needs of individuals, including any dependents
• participation in any previous interventions
• where relevant, the abuser's reaction to previous interventions
3. discuss individuals’ perceptions and issues caused by abuse and the support they would welcome from your organisation
4. identify the impact and outcomes of any previous interventions with individuals
5. check if there is sufficient information available to develop individuals plans in line with organisational policies and procedures
6. gather information which contributes to individuals plans
7. assess the needs and risks of individuals in line with organisational policies and procedures
8. identify protective factors or improvements to the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals to meet the needs of and risks to individuals in line with organisational policies and procedures
9. identify whether individuals have specialist needs that may require further assessment or support from other agencies
10. seek advice and support where the needs of the individual are beyond your area of expertise or responsibility
11. identify actions which address risk factors and enhance protective factors for individuals, including:
• their safety, health and wellbeing
• any children or dependents affected
12. identify options and agree an action plan for individuals based on an evaluation of the information available including:
• level of need and risk
• available resources
• the nature of the individual’s abuse
• their perception of their own risk and circumstances
• the support they require
13. share information and advice with individuals about the support and associated services available to them
14. support individuals to access identified specialist services to meet their needs
15. monitor progress of plans for individuals in line with your own role and responsibilities
16. provide ongoing support to individuals in line with organisational policies and procedures
17. share information with others in line with organisational polices and procedures and informed consent from individuals
18. agree responsibilities for undertaking reviews and appropriate review points to monitor progress on action plans
19. keep records of plans and interactions and make these available to others when required in line with organisational 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
2. the relevant national and local guidelines, policies and procedures available and how and when they should be accessed
3. range of agencies and services you may work with
4. organisational processes for developing plans to support individuals including how to set appropriate timescales
5. case registration and management procedures used within your organisation and your responsibilities within these
6. the limits of your authority. responsibility and professional competence
7. what constitutes domestic abuse and sexual violence and its prevalence in your local community
8. signs of abuse 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, and dependents
10. how children and dependents may be used by abusers as part of their abuse
11. types of information and support sought by those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
12. sources of information and support available to those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
13. reasons why some individuals feel loyalty to their abusers
14. how cultural, societal and gender related aspects impact upon domestic abuse and sexual violence
15. the role of support organisations towards providing support and interventions for individuals
16. multi-agency and partnership arrangements for providing support and interventions for individuals
17. information required when making an assessment of individuals appropriate to developing plans and managing the risks to them from their abusers
18. content and factors to be considered in developing and agreeing plans
19. sources of relevant information regarding individuals and how to access these
20. how to apply trauma informed practice in your area of work
21. different trauma responses and their impact
22. how to apply a needs led, strength based approach specific to meet the needs of the individual
23. how intersectionality impacts on how an individual experiences services
24. factors impacting upon the vulnerability of individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence
25. types of vulnerability, or levels of harm, used when assessing risk, and their indicators
26. the impact on parents with children
27. circumstances where individuals are considered to be at a high risk, requiring support, and how to progress such an intervention
28. required safeguarding protocols and procedures including multi-agency and partnership processes
29. the importance of and methods for building trust and empathy with individuals
30. common barriers to communication and ways to overcome them
31. different styles and forms of communication including how to adapt them to meet the needs of the individual
32. the importance of non-verbal communication including body language
33. how different cultures use and interpret body language in different ways
34. the importance of being aware of your own values and beliefs
35. the impact your own values and beliefs may have when working with individuals
36. how to challenge discriminatory or potentially damaging attitudes and behaviour and the importance of doing so
37. circumstances where it is necessary to go against individuals’ expressed wishes
38. the importance of ensuring that individuals understand why their expressed wishes are not being met and why
39. limits of confidentiality applying to your job role
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.