Somerset review

Improve social workers ability to be more robust in the triangulation of information

Avon and Somerset Police should consider how existing processes can be used to develop a prompt system that reminds officers of their training in relation to dealing with mental health crisis that does not meet these section 136 criteria and is not volatile potentially a reminder of tactical options available to manage a situation

Safer Somerset CSP to seek reassurance that training and Continuous Professional Development strategies reflect:
• Gender dynamics when dealing with incidents of domestic abuse.
• Identify ‘triggers’ associated with the escalation of domestic abuse.

Improve knowledge of domestic abuse awareness in Emergency Department

The Safer Somerset Partnership to write to the Home Office with the findings of this DHR suggesting that they undertake further research into cases of suicide with a reported history of domestic abuse where the perpetrators are male, in order to develop a profile of potentially vulnerable men.

Strengthen housing options team’s understanding of when to share information with social landlords (eg SHAL and similar) around risk to child neglect.

Home Office to undertake further research into male victims of domestic abuse in the BAME community and to raise awareness of referral pathways for all men who are victims of domestic violence.

Strengthen housing options team’s understanding of when to share information with social landlords (eg SHAL) and similar around risk to joint tenancy issues

Ensure that training packages are prepared and delivered in accordance with the guidance and directions provided within the SOMPAR DA policy.

Improve consistency of community mental health staff always clearly documenting source of disclosure of historic domestic abuse relevant details, whether or not the information can be substantiated.

Improve monitoring of reports to identify domestic abuse trigger’s and, if appropriate, carry out further enquiries and possible onward referrals to GP Surgeries.

Change how Patient Liaison Team (with A&E) follow up to patients referred to the PLT but leave the hospital without being seen

Safer Somerset Partnership in support with the Domestic Abuse Board to seek assurance in asking all agencies to provide evidence that they include professional curiosity in their safeguarding training.

Improve the effectiveness and robustness of referral intake procedures within SIDAS

Somerset Domestic Abuse Board to improve the effectiveness of relevant information sharing pathways in relation to domestic abuse and ensure that frontline staff are aware of the opportunities available to them and the ethical and legal ways all sharing information that they receive..

The CSC to reinforce the need for the interview of children in domestic abuse circumstances..

Improve the availability of training for frontline practitioners and managers about their responsibilities and the principles in managing situations where disguised compliance is apparent..

The CSC to improve governance protocols and if necessary, introduce a review framework that details, current risk and plans, going forward.

Reinforce the necessity to record contemporaneous notes at the scene of domestic abuse incidents and a referral is made to Trust Safeguarding Team within the 48-hour time scales which SWASFT policy requires.

Ensure that information sharing procedures are effective so that there’s engagement with external and internal partners, whenever safeguarding issues are raised, in timely and proportionate manner.

SWASFT NHS Trust, to develop the training available to staff so that they are aware of how to complete DASH risk assessments

The CSP should consider providing funding to support SHAL and other housing providers bid to receive formal Domestic Abuse accreditation in order to raise its profile, provide reassurance to the vulnerable and discourage perpetrators.

SHAL Housing should develop a policy to support a ‘See something Say something’ style of reporting by those in frontline services.

The Somerset Domestic Abuse Board should review their information protocols in order that agencies like SHAL are able, to provide, and have access to, details from other agencies within the Community Safety Partnership.

SHAL Housing and similar housing providers to promote the availability of resources and training to improve understanding of “professional curiosity”

Avon & Somerset Police to ensure current procedures are promoted so that all staff are aware of the need to complete DASH risk assessment at the initial stage of all domestic abuse cases.