Domestic abuse policy & procedure

5. Dealing with reports of domestic abuse

5.1 The  council take  all  reports  of  domestic  abuse  seriously and will  treat all  reports with respect, sympathy and confidentiality, listening to the needs and wishes of the victim /
survivor  in  agreeing  a  course  of  action. Whilst the  council encourage  all  victims  / survivors  of  domestic  abuse  to  report  incidents  to  the  Police, the  council will  provide appropriate support  and  will  be  led  by  the  victim  /  survivor  even  if they don't  want  to involve the Police.

5.2 The council will ensure that those disclosing incidences of domestic abuse can access appropriate services as early as possible and are given advice to allow them to make informed decisions about what to do next.

5.3 The council will ensure services are easily accessible to everybody. Incidents of domestic abuse can be reported by a variety of means:

• By email to HSGMail@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window)
• I-Housing tenants services (opens new window)
• By telephone to 0300 456 0117 Option 4
• In person to a member of staff
• In writing: Housing Management Team, Wiltshire Council, Bourne Hill, The Council House, Salisbury SP1 3UZ

In an emergency, where there is an immediate risk to life or property, reporting persons and witnesses should always dial 999 and ask for the Police.

5.4 The council will provide alternative methods of reporting on request for reporting persons and  witnesses  who  have  a disability  which  prevents  them  using  the  methods  above. This will be treated on a case-by-case basis.

5.5 For  those  whose  first  language  is  not  English  we  will  where  necessary,  provide  the services of an interpreter.

5.6 Following  disclosures of domestic abuse, the council will use the Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour Based Violence risk identification checklist (DASH) to identify the level of risk to the victim and members of their household. This will assist in identifying vulnerabilities, additional support needs and safeguarding concerns in order to make appropriate referrals to specialist partners and agencies. Where victims are considered high risk because of the DASH assessment or through professional judgement we will refer to MARAC (Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference) and we do not need the victim / survivor's consent. The referrer will attend the MARAC meeting where the case is discussed.

5.7 The council will work in partnership with other agencies recognising our role in dealing with domestic abuse in a multi-agency context this will include but is not limited to;

• Police
• NHS Medical and Mental Health Teams
• Probation Services
• Adult Social Care
• Children's Services
• Housing Solutions
• Third or voluntary sector service providers

5.8 Throughout the case the council will agree the most appropriate method of communication reporting persons wish to use. This includes talking to us over the phone, through an online video call, at our offices or another safe venue.