Domestic Abuse Multi-Agency Referral Pathway

This referral pathway is applicable to all victim/survivors of domestic abuse The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines DA as any incident or course of conduct between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members.

The abuse can encompass but is not limited to: physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, psychological and emotional abuse. The Act also recognises children as victims of domestic abuse if they see, hear or experience the effects of the perpetrator’s abuse. The definition includes ‘honour’ based abuse and forced marriage.

Domestic abuse can negatively impact on children and adults with care and support needs who may be abused directly by the perpetrator and by hearing, witnessing or intervening in abuse of another.

If you are aware that someone is perpetrating abuse within a family, you must refer to your agency safeguarding policy and procedures and follow this referral pathway.