domestic_abuseWe proposed a Risk Map for Domestic Abuse at the beginning of the year. Of all the maps that we have constructed, to date, this is the one that has generated the most feedback. Domestic Abuse is a complex issue and one that requires a number of services to come together. It has been a challenge to identify the most relevant risks without making the assessment process overwhelming for the people supporting clients. Our new Domestic Abuse Risk Map is an easy way to map the range of social, behavioural and clinical support someone may need, but more importantly demonstrates the success that you have helping people.

All of the risk and protective factors that we have identified have been taken from a range of National Outcome Frameworks. This means that as you help remove risks you are achieving outcomes that are evidence based and directly in line with the requirements of commissioners.

As with all our maps the themes which are consistent with the Marmot approach to Public Health, which means we are recording risks around financial hardship, housing and employment. To better support domestic abuse services we have tightened up some of our definitions, particularly around what unsuitable housing means in this context and reflecting the full range of forms that abuse can take. We have added some additional risks that relate to whether clients have been victims of violent crimes and phobias. These were highlighted as issues that are commonly presented to services and are useful to record. In creating this map we have focused on trying to incorporate as much best practice from N.I.C.E. Quality Standards as possible.

The National Outcome Frameworks we have called on to create this map are:-

  • Improving Outcomes and Supporting Transparency
  • Social Justice Outcomes Framework
  • Adult Social Care Outcome Framework
  • N.I.C.E. Guidance

This is a comprehensive overview of the sort of issues that people who have been victims of Domestic Abuse present with and more importantly provides an objective basis to demonstrate the impact you have.

We would like to thank the  agencies we have worked with in developing this map, the input from people that work day to day with clients helps us to be sure that it works in real world situations. The domestic abuse risk map is now available for all organisations using the Risk Tracker system.