Domestic Abuse Information and Support for Practitioners
Domestic Abuse Information and Support for Practitioners
Domestic Abuse, Recovery and Education (DARE)
What is the DARE Programme?
DARE is a community based programme for children aged between 5 – 16 years who have been exposed to domestic violence and abuse. This is a recovery programme which seeks to give children an opportunity to move beyond the violence and abuse that has happened in their family. This will be in a safe and therapeutic way, During group sessions, the children are given an opportunity to process and understand what they have experienced. Core principles of the programme include:
* To give children an opportunity to talk about what has happened
* For children to understand that the violence and abuse was not their fault
* To provide opportunities for children to explore ways of keeping themselves safe
* Mothers will be supported to understand how best to help and support their child/ children.
The programme offers a parallel group for the children’s mothers. The mothers’ group aims to assist them to understand how the abuse has impacted their child and how they can support their child in the recovery process.
DARE is a voluntary programme which is designed to assist children to recover from the effects of domestic violence and abuse. It should not form part of any assessment process for a child or family. The mother’s group is not a recovery or therapeutic group for women but is provided so that the mothers can be skilled up to support their child’s recovery.
Eligibility for DARE
Children are suitable for DARE if:
The child has been exposed to domestic violence and abuse and remembers what has occurred,
The child has been impacted by the exposure to domestic violence and abuse,
Separation has occurred and the perpetrator no longer resides in the family home,
There is no ongoing violence,
The child is aged 5 – 16 years,
A risk assessment has been carried out and it indicates that it is safe for the child to engage with the programme.
Additional information to consider:
The aim of DARE is to assist the child’s recovery from domestic violence and abuse.
The group is not an assessment process.
DARE is a child driven programme and the mother’s participation in a concurrent mother’s group enhances the therapeutic experience of the group for her child.
Experiencing domestic violence and abuse as a child does not mean that a group place will always be needed. Many children recover adequately without any formal intervention.
Not all children within a family are likely to need to attend a group.
Children are exposed to and impacted by domestic violence and abuse in a variety of ways.
Referrals should only be made for children who fit the eligibility criteria.
Contact Details and for more information about the programme:
Children North East, Families & Parenting Service, The Cowgate Centre, Houghton Avenue, Cowgate, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE5 3UT Telephone: 0191 2727284
NSPCC FGM Helpline
Telephone: 0808 028 3550
Email: fgmhelp@nspcc.org.uk
Free, anonymous dedicated FGM helpline for anyone worried a child is at risk of or has already had FGM.
National FGM Centre
The National FGM Centre is a partnership between Barnardo’s and the Local Government Association. It was established in 2015 to achieve change in the provision of services for children and their families who are affected by FGM. In 2017, the focus of their work was extended to include Breast Ironing/Flattening and Child Abuse Linked to Faith or Belief. Their website includes a knowledge hub with information, guidance and resources for practitioners It also gives information about training.
SafeLives
SafeLives is a UK-wide charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse. Their website has various resources for professionals including:
• News and views
• Policy and practice blogs
• Spotlights series which focuses on groups of survivors who may be 'hidden' from services or face additional barriers to accessing support. Each Spotlight brings together insight from survivors, practitioners, academics and other experts.
• Training
Drive / Respect webchat and portal
Live webchat every Mon (2 pm to 4 pm), Wed (10 am to 12 pm) and Thu (2 pm to 4 pm)
Email: info@driveproject.org.uk
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Drive, in partnership with Respect, offers support and guidance for professionals working with high-harm, high-risk perpetrators of domestic abuse. This is via webchat, email and a professional community portal. The portal provides access to materials for professionals who work in frontline domestic abuse services, social work, policing, probation, health, substance misuse, housing or other services that work with perpetrators of domestic abuse. It also provides information about relevant events and webinars. To get a password to access the materials on the website and join the mailing list, professionals can email info@driveproject.org.uk
Rights of Women Professionals’ Advice Line
Telephone: 020 8138 8028 (Operates fortnightly, check the website for the schedule)
Immigration advice for non-legal professionals supporting vulnerable migrant women. Professionals may also be interested in joining the Women’s Migration and Asylum Network.
Southall Black Sisters
SBS run a remote online advice surgery for agencies and professionals who work with clients who have immigration problems and are subject to No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF). The surgery will take place every Wednesday, 10 am to 11 am, and is open to inquiries from any agency/professional operating in England. The surgery will be useful to agencies looking for additional support/advice for their clients and will help to build their capacity to work in this area. Visit the website to book a slot with an advisor.
