North Hertfordshire review

It is recommended that HPFT prepare a learning note of the key factors identified in this case and develop a training programme for practitioners to include: 1. The need to exercise professional curiosity when hearing of tensions within a domestic setting; 2. How to identify the risks and indicators of domestic abuse, including the increased risk during or following separation/divorce; 3. The importance of identifying the signs of coercive controlling behaviour; 4. Of where to go for support if they are unsure how to manage risks around domestic abuse.

It is recommended that HCS prepare a learning note of the key factors identified in this case and provide training to raise awareness of staff: 1. Of the importance of utilising case chronologies when undertaking statutory assessments. Where there is a justified belief that other household members may be at risk, it is appropriate to consider all contacts received about and from a family, therefore not looking at domestic abuse incidents in isolation. 2. To exercise Professional curiosity when engaging with clients who are exhibiting signs of trauma and explore the underlying causes.

It is recommended Hertfordshire Integrated Care Partnership commission the local CCG’s to issue guidance and provide training for all GP practices in their area highlighting the need to ask questions overtly about domestic abuse when patients present with mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression. (The underlying cause could be associated with domestic abuse). The training should also include raising knowledge of referral pathways to services who can offer support.

It is recommended that HDAP ensure that a learning note is prepared and circulated to all front-line professionals in education, health and social care advising practitioners that trauma presentations can be similar to autistic behaviours or labelled as mental illness episodes. Professionals must ensure that trauma and abuse are considered before concluding alternative diagnosis. This should include information from the latest research in this area.

It is recommended that Hertfordshire Constabulary issue guidance to all officers that: 1. Allegations/concerns regarding financial abuse is an indicator of domestic abuse and this aspect is covered in all training provision on the subject of domestic abuse. 2. The importance of creating an environment where all parties can be spoken to independently of one another at incidents of domestic abuse. 3. They consider the new domestic abuse bill and recognise children can be victims of domestic abuse, when exposed to it.

It is recommended that Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership commission a review, the purpose of which is to consider whether specialist domestic abuse services (and perhaps mental health services) in Hertfordshire are equally accessible to all, regardless of where in the county they live. Particular attention should be paid to what services are accessible to those living in rural areas and those available to male victims. Once complete, the information to be made available to all statutory agencies for onward dissemination to frontline staff.

It is recommended HSCB ensure further training provision is made available on “Adverse Childhood Experiences and Trauma” and delivered to all multi-agency practitioners who are involved in working with children and young people.

It is recommended the HDAP adopt the Safelives Approach to “The Whole Picture Strategy” and incorporate within their domestic abuse strategy a programme of work to improve Professional’s knowledge and application of the “Identification and Referral to Improve Safety” Strategy.