Cheltenham review

Each public-sector agency that is represented on the DHR panel and on Cheltenham Strategic Leadership Group (SLG), will adopt a domestic abuse policy and procedures, based on a county-wide template, to guide how their agencies responds to domestic abuse and stalking. VCS agencies will be encouraged to adopt a domestic abuse policy.

There will be a requirement that selected agencies delivering public-facing services on behalf of public sector partners have a domestic abuse policy.

A training needs analysis will be coordinated by the GDASVIG and a plan developed for how to roll out training across agencies.

An awareness campaign implemented using the branding of the local domestic abuse specialist agency and the glostakeastand website to raise awareness.

As a trial is a public event and is retained in public records it should reflect reality, it is recommended that CPS prosecutors in domestic homicide cases and Magistrates have training in recognising the practices of coercive control, stalking and domestic abuse

It is a responsibility of the police to identify vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and respond accordingly.

All health practitioners and professionals should consider Routine Enquiry in cases where depression or anxiety, or any condition potentially related to domestic abuse, is discussed with a patient.

Benefit Fraud investigators should be aware that in cases where coercive control is exercised that financial abuse and control of the victim’s finances is more probable than possible and should therefore be trained in domestic abuse and have enhanced training in financial abuse.

All agencies should have identified individuals who are competent in identifying risk factors and understanding their significance (eg strangulation) More agencies need to be trained including: • Social care • Housing • Probation • Local councils • Benefits Agencies • Health Agencies

Police should use their professional judgement and consider all options available to them when attending calls for help in cases of domestic abuse. The police have a number of actions available to them, all of which would be aided by meticulous evidence gathering at the time. The use of evidence gathering aides, such as body worn cameras should be discussed within the Constabulary

The specialist domestic abuse court should be staffed by professionals with enhanced training in domestic abuse and coercive control. This would include the prosecutors, magistrates, judges and supporting personnel.

There should be an assessment of the needs of children and young people where Domestic Abuse has occurred and this should be part of any risk assessment. It is considered that there is a need for specialist group and individual programmes which would support children witnessing or affected by domestic abuse. This review recommends that local agencies are supported in bidding for funding to begin developing such support for children.

All local agencies recognise the significance of strangulation or choking attempts when they happen in the context of domestic abuse. Research was considered which showed a correlation between such assaults and future homicide