Bolton Domestic Violence Forum
Against domestic violence
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Recognition and response

Domestic Violence is an abuse of power and can be expressed
in a number of ways:

  • Physical injuries
  • Sexual violence
  • Verbal abuse
  • Withholding financial support
  • Controlling independence and choice
  • Denial of physical freedom
  • Threats that children will be removed
  • Threats of referral to Mental Health Services
  • Blame for all that is “Wrong”
  • Humiliation and undermining the victim/survivor both as a person and parent
  • Isolating a victim/survivor from friends and family
  • Using pregnancy/children as a means of control
  • Unexplained burns or bruises, multiple injuries in various stages of healing, repeated or chronic injuries
  • Injuries in areas of the body inconsistent with falls,walking into doors or other explanations given
  • Injuries to the breast, abdomen or chest (victims are 13 times more likely to be injured here and they are common injuries during pregnancy)
  • Injuries to face, neck or head
  • Evidence of sexual abuse or frequent gynaecological problems
  • Frequent visits with vague complaints or symptoms
  • Frequent use of pain medication
  • Feelings of isolation
  • Suicide attempts
  • Panic attacks/depression/anxiety
  • Alcohol/Drug abuse
  • Post Traumatic Stress reaction/disorder
  • Victim/survivor may be frightened, evasive, ashamed or embarrassed
  • Partner insists on accompanying victim,stays close and answers all questions directed at the victim
  • Victim/survivor reluctant to speak or disagree
  • Denial or minimisation of violence by partner or victim/survivor






  • Create a safe environment - Does the person feel safe to talk? Is it private? Is their partner present? Try to create an opportunity to speak with the victim/survivor alone.
  • Access - Is your service accessible to the person? Can you speak freely? Do you need an interpreter? Would they prefer to speak to a female member of staff?
  • Support - If they want to have a member of family or a friend present then let them know they can.
  • Confidentiality - Inform the victim/survivor of the limits to your confidentiality e.g . child protection and that they understand all the implications.
  • Understanding - Ensure that the victim/survivor under stands all that is said/discussed and give them an opportunity to ask any questions.
  • Reassurance - Make the victim/survivor feel that they are receiving a genuine response to their request for help. It has probably taken the victim/survivor years to seek help.
  • Valuing Equality - Value, respect and appreciate the uniqueness of each and every individual to ensure an equitable service for all.

BE COURTEOUS
LISTEN CAREFULLY
BE ATTENTIVE
BE CLEAR AND HONEST
BE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS
BE REASSURING
DO NOT BLAME OR JUDGE







Victims/survivors may not disclose that they are suffering domestic violence but be using other reasons as a cry for help. It is important that all correspondence with victims be documented carefully as it will ensure that repeat victimisation can be highlighted, responses to victims/survivors can be measured, and also, the perpetrator could be held accountable for their actions if they have been recorded by front line staff who have been helping a victim/survivor.

  • Seek the victim's/survivor’s consent prior to starting to document,assure them that nothing will be done without their consent.
  • Explain the benefits of documenting the meeting for any future action that they may wish to take.
  • Document the time, place and witnesses to the assault/abuse.
  • Write in the third person to avoid documenting your own words.
  • Avoid all subjective information where the victim/survivor blames herself.
  • If the victim/survivor denies assault, but in your opinion the injuries are consistent with assault, then document it.
  • Record size, location and severity of any injury.
  • Record all abuse regardless of whether it is physical or not. Ask if the perpetrator is dangerous.
  • Record the victim's/survivor’s perception of the situation - are they isolated from help? Have they tried to separate or are they already separated? Have they sought any other help? Do they fear that the perpetrator will abuse them again?
  • Record any attempts to previously stop or contain the violence.
  • Record where the children where when the violence took place.
  • Record all child protection concerns.
  • Ensure that all records are kept confidential.
  • Never leave any documents where a perpetrator or anyone else can see them.






Remember that your safety is paramount as well as the victim's/survivor’s.

  • Always ask for help/support when dealing with an aggressive/frightening family.
  • Always follow safeguards for your own safety when dealing with domestic violence.
  • Do not discuss any disclosures with perpetrators or members of the family - they do NOT need to know.
  • Always deal with a suspected violent perpetrator with another member of staff.
  • Never agree to meet with a person outside work.
  • Contact the Police immediately if you think it necessary.







  • Do they have access to a phone on which they can make confidential calls?
  • Do their children know how to make 999 calls?
  • Can they confide in a neighbour and rely on their help.
  • Do they have a safe place to stay if they leave home in a hurry?
  • Money for taxis in a safe place.
  • A bag of essentials in a safe and accessible place.
  • All important documentation - e.g. birth certificates, benefit books, passports.
  • Phone numbers of all service providers that could aid and assist her and her family - e.g. women's aid, Police, emergency social services, and homeless welfare.
  • All medicine.
  • Practice and plan how they would leave.
  • Will they apply for an injunction?
  • Tell their children's schools about their situation.
  • Do they have an existing support network?

If it is the first time a victim/survivor has spoken about the abuse/violence, they will feel very vulnerable and unsure about what they can do. You need to ensure that you give all the advice, information and support that you are able to and also to refer to any appropriate agency that both you and the victim/survivor think could help.


RECOGNISE, RESPOND & REFER