Durham review

A system needs to be established to ensure training opportunities are brought to the attention of staff working in General Practices

A domestic abuse policy to be developed as a partner to the existing domestic abuse and safeguarding children policy. This policy will also include guidance on information sharing, the use of read codes to facilitate this and the requirement that all departments / practices identify a person to take a lead on domestic abuse.

Given the limited appointment times within which GPs work they would benefit from a short guide which would prompt them on actions to take and information to give to the patient.

To fully implement the new policy guidance on restorative justice and domestic abuse i.e. • Under no circumstances should restorative justice principles be applied to the initial attendance at any domestic violence incidents. • Positive action must be taken i.e. the arrest of the perpetrator and the recovery of evidence as per the domestic violence policy. • Restorative justice disposal may only be considered as a resolution to such incidents only after positive action has been taken in the first instance and only with the expressed permission of (named staff) who must be consulted with first.

Neither the force DA policy and standard operating procedures, nor the advice given by CAADA in relation to the application of the DASH model makes any allowance for consideration of the victim’s age as a factor related to risk. The recommendation is therefore that a review is carried out and that all policies procedures and training in relation to domestic abuse are reviewed to give consideration to age as a risk factor in domestic abuse/homicide

Review procedures that are in place to ensure that supervising officers have proper regard for the safety and well being of victims of domestic abuse perpetrators.

Identify and implement processes to improve the overall quality of supervision particularly in regard to the development of an investigative approach and the tendency to accept offenders versions of events without proper challenge.

To review all existing policies and procedures, as they become due for review to ensure they are sensitive to the special risks to and needs of older women who are victims.

To ensure that all future policies, publicity campaigns and other planned activities in relation to abuse are sensitive to the requirements of older victims and the risks posed by older perpetrators.