Empower individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence to recover and regain control of their lives
Overview
This standard is about working with individuals affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence to assist them in recognising the causes of abuse and supporting them in dealing with abuse. It includes your ability to help them to build their confidence, take control of their lives and empower them in living a life without abuse.
Performance criteria
You must be able to:
- gather and assess available records and information which informs your understanding of individuals’ circumstances,2. work with individuals to explore their circumstances including:• the nature of the abuse suffered• the impact of abuse on their safety, health and wellbeing3. respond to signs of distress in individuals in ways which reduce their stress and meet their needs4. agree with individuals the needs they wish to address which enhances their safety, health and wellbeing5. support individuals to recognise the benefits of support they can access in line with multi-agency arrangements6. explore options with individuals which takes account of the their needs and preferences and that adopts a needs led strength based approach7. explore with individuals the relevance and feasibility of options which address their needs, including:• the impact of options on their daily life• concerns of potential obstacles in progressing options and their impact• actions to address concerns and obstacles in progressing options8. encourage individuals to make informed choices about their preferred options, in line with organisational policies and procedures9. work with individuals to identify support and actions they can take which address their abuse and associated risks10. assist individuals to develop coping strategies to help address their emotional needs11. maintain levels of contact with individuals which offer the amount of support necessary to meet their needs12. support individuals to reflect on and recognise their progress and achievements towards meeting their needs13. support individuals to address any unexpected developments they encounter which affect their wellbeing, health and safety14. communicate with individuals in ways which meets their needs and abilities15. maintain up to date records in line with your organisational policies and procedures16. maintain confidentiality in line with legislative and organisational policies and procedures
Knowledge and Understanding
You need to know and understand:
- legal, organisational and policy requirements relevant to your role, the role of others in your organisation and the activities being carried out2. the relevant national and local guidelines, policies, and procedures available and how and when they should be accessed3. range of agencies and services that can provide information and support4. your organisation's policies and procedures and your responsibilities for case registration and case management5. the limits of your authority, responsibility and professional competence6. what constitutes domestic abuse and sexual violence and its prevalence in your local community7. signs of abuse and methods used by abusers to gain power and control8. the impact upon all those affected by domestic abuse or sexual violence including individuals and dependents9. how children and dependents may be used by abusers as part of their abuse10. the types and sources of information and support sought by those affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence and how to access these11. how cultural, societal and gender related aspects impact upon domestic abuse and sexual violence12. how to create an environment that puts individuals at ease13. how to apply trauma informed practice in your area of practice14. different trauma responses and their impact15. how to apply a needs led, strength based approach specific to meet the needs of the individual16. how intersectionality impacts on how an individual experiences services17. multi-agency arrangements for providing support and interventions for individuals in your area18. the role of the principal legal agencies involved in providing protection to individuals of domestic abuse and sexual violence19. referral routes for different agencies and between different services20. when and how to challenge and alter referral routes in the interests of individuals21. assessment methods suitable for assessing individuals’ needs22. how to recognise and respect fears and concerns of individuals23. methods and techniques for working with individuals,24. the right of individuals to refuse advice and information25. factors affecting the vulnerability and risk to individuals of domestic abuse and sexual violence26. the types, levels and indicators of harm and vulnerability that can be used when assessing risk27. the importance of ensuring individuals control the progress and content of discussions28. how to make suggestions and offer advice in ways that is supportive and non-directive29. the importance of being non-judgmental about the lives and choices of individuals30. the importance of and methods for building trust and empathy with individuals31. different styles and forms of communication including how to adapt them to meet the needs of the individual32. how different cultures use and interpret body language in different ways33. the importance of non-verbal communication34. common barriers to communication and ways to overcome them35. the importance of being aware of your values and beliefs and the impact your 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 so37. how intersectionality impacts on how an individual experiences services38. the limits of confidentiality applying to your role39. circumstances where it is necessary to go against individuals expressed wishes40. the importance of ensuring that individuals understand why their expressed wishes may not be met.
Scope/range
Scope Performance
Scope Knowledge
Values
Behaviours
Skills
Glossary
Domestic AbuseAny 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.IntersectionalityThe interconnected nature of social categorisations such as race, class, and gender, regarded as creating overlapping and interdependent systems of discrimination or disadvantageNeeds led approacha 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 lastsPeople at riskAn individual who is defined as in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, risk of abuse or neglectSexual AbuseUndesired 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 AssaultAny 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 ViolenceSimilar 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 approachIs an approach to working with individuals that recognises their strength to overcome their experiencesTrauma Informedan 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.