Resources for Professionals
Domestic Abuse Forum (DAF)
The Domestic Abuse Forum (DAF) is part of the Community Safety Partnership (iow.gov.uk).
It's membership includes officers from the following services:
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Isle of Wight Council (Children’s Services, Adults’ Social Care, Public Health, Local Member portfolio holder for Community Safety).
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Hampshire Constabulary.
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service.
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NHS Trust.
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Hampshire and Isle of Wight Probation Service.
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Isle of Wight Clinical Commissioning Group.
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Service providers for those suffering from Domestic Abuse (YOU Trust, WOW, Hampton Trust and Barnardo’s).
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Service providers for those suffering from drug and alcohol related issues
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Office of the Police Crime Commissioner.
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Isle of Wight College.
The forum is held quarterly. It provides effective leadership in the areas of domestic abuse. This is to ensure shared strategic objectives and joint approach are enabled across all services and sectors. It promotes multi agency working, collective decision-making and comprehensive information sharing and data collection.
Domestic Abuse Forum (DAF) strategy and priorities
Download or print off the Isle of Wight VAWG Strategic Partnership Strategy and Action Plan 2016-2020 (PDF, 298KB, 13 pages).
The current priorities for the DAF are:
- To prevent domestic abuse and associated harm from taking place.
- To plan and deliver co-ordinated, effective and sustainable services to victims and perpetrators of domestic abuse.
- To understand our local needs and priorities for future planning with regards to domestic abuse services.
If you wish to discuss the work of the DAF or have any news, events or training which you would like us to consider. Please contact us using the online send a message service or by using the details found in our Domestic Abuse Contact information (iow.gov.uk).
Please feel free to download and print off the following documents:
Domestic Abuse Poster
A poster campaign was launched across the Island in 2020. Please feel free to download and use our Domestic abuse can effect anyone poster.pdf (iow.gov.uk)
Training
The Isle of Wight Safeguarding Children’s Partnership (SCP) and Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) run training and events within the community on domestic abuse. Please use the links listed below to learn more about on the courses available:
FREE Training
Domestic abuse awareness and Domestic abuse and the impact on children – aims to provide an understanding of the subject and the impact that it has on children.
This training is available via the learning hub at https://iwc.learningpool.com/course/domestic abuse If you don’t have access to this please request to be set up by contacting learning.development@iow.gov.uk
Both of these modules will need to be completed prior to attending any of the other courses listed below.
An introduction to risk assessment and the DASH – 28/09/21
Coercive and controlling behaviour – an in depth look at CCB, the impact it has on victims including the risk of harm, CCB law, typologies of abuse and support – 19/10/21
DASH Masterclass – an in depth training to use the DASH model to identify high risk victims of domestic abuse, stalking and honour based violence – 08/02/22
Stalking – an in depth look at stalking in the community including the common myths, typologies, associated risks and the support that is available – 17/03/22
These courses can be accessed via - https://www.iow.gov.uk/trainingcourses/ and clicking in the social care tile and has a link to an online application form.
Dragonfly Project
The Dragonfly project works with isolated communities across the Island. This project aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse. Enabling communities to support each other.
Professionals who work directly with the public are often the first person somebody in a domestic abuse relationship may have contact with.
By attending the free domestic abuse workshop you can become a champion. In return you will:
- Receive dragonfly badge to wear with pride . The dragonfly badges worn by champions let people affected by domestic abuse know who they can talk to.
- Receive a window sticker. The dragonfly sticker is to displayed in the windows of organisations, shops, schools, etc. This is so members of the community can see it.
- Speak about what you have learnt.
- Be able to offer guidance to those experiencing domestic abuse should they approach you.
- Be provided with on-going specialist support from You First.
The Dragonfly was chosen by 'You First' clients as this represents:
This free training is provided by 'YOU First'. For more information call 0800 234 6266
Reducing Parental Conflict Training
The Reducing Parental Conflict (RPC) programme is aimed at conflict below the threshold of domestic abuse. When addressing parental conflict in a relationship practitioners should continue to be vigilant and confident there are no indicators of domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour. If there are signs of controlling behaviour that adversely affects one person in a relationship, this can be an indicator of an abusive relationship.
Where there is domestic abuse there will be an imbalance of power and one parent may be fearful of the other and this is not parental conflict.
Conflict between parents is normal, but if it is frequent, intense and poorly resolved it can have a damaging effect on children. Often resulting in long term mental health issues and emotional, social, behavioural and academic problems as they grow up. Today there is a growing awareness of the importance of the quality of the relationship between parents. Regardless of whether they are together or separated. The need to address any conflict is in the best interests of the children.
Further information is available at: Support and Advice for Families - Service Details (iow.gov.uk)