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Updated Domestic Abuse Policy

September 6, 2024

The policy applies to all patients/clients, whether the setting is acute or the community-based and includes adults and children. It outlines a standardised approach when recognising and responding to Domestic Abuse (DA), addresses adults and young people aged 16 years and over who are experiencing (or have experienced) DA, including perpetrators of abuse and violence.

The policy includes a helpful mnemonic for remembering the key steps to take when responding to DA – the five Rs. As well as a flow chart and step-by-step guidance for responding to domestic abuse cases.

Five Rs:

  • R-recognise and ask
  • R-respond
  • R-risk assess
  • R-refer
  • R-record

It is important that staff have the knowledge and feel confident and competent to implement the Domestic Abuse Policy into practice. Free training is available:

Health Education England E-learning for healthcare (HEE e-lfh) E-Learning: Domestic Violence and Abuse. The course is accessible via Electronic Staff Record (ESR). Search for title: 000 Domestic Violence and abuse.

Online multi-agency Safeguarding training in Sandwell website’s can be accessed here 

Bespoke training will be advertised via internal communications.

The Trust’s Domestic Abuse policy has been updated and can be accessed by clicking here

For further information, advice and/or support, contact our internal teams: