Domestic Abuse Guidance

Domestic abuse is the abuse of someone within an family or intimate relationship (including ex-partners). It can include, but is not limited to, physical, controlling and coercive behaviour, emotional, psychological, harassment and stalking, technological, financial, economic or sexual abuse.

The BHSAB has worked with partner agencies to develop multi-agency domestic abuse guidance. This is designed to support professionals in Brighton and Hove working with adults who are risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse. It provides a framework to promote a consistent, effective, and collaborative multi-agency approach in responding to this complex area of safeguarding practice.

The guidance provides information to help identify the different types of domestic abuse with examples of each of these, indicators and behaviours that may indicate domestic abuse is occurring, with key considerations that should be taken into account in assessing and managing risk. This includes the responsibility of all professionals to take appropriate action and to raise safeguarding concerns in relation to domestic abuse where relevant, and ensure the correct agencies are involved in responding to this.

The guidance also contains links to a range of other resources, including Pan-Sussex SAB Protocols, that can be used to develop knowledge and understanding in this area, as well as contact details for local and national organisations that may be able to provide additional support as part of a multi-agency approach to domestic abuse.

Multi-agency Domestic Abuse Guidance