Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership

Domestic abuse

What is domestic abuse 

Domestic abuse refers to any form of controlling, bullying, threatening, or violent behaviour between individuals who are, or have been, in a relationship.

 It can also occur between two people aged 16 or older who are ‘personally connected’. ‘Personally connected’ includes those in an intimate personal relationship or those who are related. Domestic abuse can have a severe impact on children and young people, and experiencing it is considered child abuse.

The domestic abuse act defines domestic abuse from the age of 16 plus however we know that abusive behaviours can be experienced between peers younger than this age and support is available for young people and their own relationships.

Key points to remember about domestic abuse include:

  • it can occur both inside and outside the home
  • it can take place over the phone, online, or on social media
  • it can happen in any type of relationship and may continue even after the relationship ends
  • both men and women can be victims or perpetrators of abuse

The domestic abuse act

Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse is defined as:

  • physical or emotional violence: this includes physical abuse (such as hitting or choking) and non-physical abuse (such as threats, coercion, manipulation, or emotional harm).
  • controlling or coercive behaviour: this is behaviour aimed at making a person subordinate to or dependent on the perpetrator. It can include:
    • isolating the victim from friends or family
    • monitoring or controlling aspects of a person’s life (like access to money or where they go)
    • intimidation or threats
  • psychological, physical, sexual, and economic abuse: this can range from things like threats, intimidation, physical violence, sexual violence, or controlling access to resources, such as money, housing, or employment.

The DA Act places a strong emphasis on the impact that domestic abuse has on children, recognising that even if children aren't directly harmed or physically abused, witnessing or being exposed to domestic abuse can cause significant harm to their emotional and psychological well-being.

The DA Act specifically recognises children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right if they:

  • see or hear domestic abuse
  • witness the effects of domestic abuse

Even if a child is not directly abused (i.e., not the victim of physical violence), their exposure to domestic abuse still has serious consequences for their mental and emotional development. This can include anxiety, depression, behavioural problems and a higher likelihood of experiencing abuse in the future.

Types and examples of domestic abuse

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including emotional, physical, sexual, economic, coercive, or psychological abuse. The following list is not exhaustive but includes examples of Domestic Abuse behaviour. Examples include:

  • kicking, hitting, punching, slapping, or throwing objects
  • rape
  • controlling finances, such as withholding money or preventing someone from working
  • controlling behaviour, like dictating where someone can go or what they can wear
  • restricting someone's freedom, such as not allowing them to leave the house
  • monitoring personal communications, like reading emails, texts, or letters
  • threatening to kill or harm someone
  • threatening to harm another family member or a pet
  • non-fatal strangulation without consent

Signs of domestic abuse

It can be hard to recognise when domestic abuse is occurring, as those who are abusive may behave very differently when others are present. Children and young people may also feel scared and confused, often keeping the abuse to themselves.

Signs that a child has experienced domestic abuse can include:

  • aggression or bullying
  • anti-social behaviour, like vandalism
  • anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts
  • attention seeking
  • bed-wetting, nightmares or insomnia
  • constant or regular sickness, like colds, headaches and mouth ulcers
  • drug or alcohol use
  • eating disorders
  • problems in school or trouble learning
  • tantrums
  • withdrawal

Effects of domestic abuse on children and young people

Growing up in a home where domestic abuse is present can have serious and lasting effects on children and young people. It can impact their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and development—both in the short and long term.

Children may experience:

  • fear, anxiety, or depression
  • sleep disturbances and nightmares
  • difficulties at school or with concentration
  • aggressive or withdrawn behaviour
  • low self-esteem and trust issues 

Even after the abuse ends, the emotional effects can remain—especially if post-separation abuse continues. Recognising children as victims in their own right is key to ensuring they receive the support, safety and stability they need to recover and thrive. 

Multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC)

MARAC is a coordinated, multi-agency response for victims at high risk of serious harm or domestic abuse related death, i.e. homicide or suicide. The MARAC enables agencies to work together and share resources and increases the safety, health and wellbeing of victim’s adults and their children. Meetings ensure effective information-sharing and safety planning.

Core agencies involved include:

  • Police
  • Social care
  • Health services
  • Housing
  • Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs)
  • Probation
  • Education

The MARAC threshold

Referrals to MARAC should be considered when:

  • the DASH Risk Assessment returns 14 or more 'yes' responses, indicating a high risk of serious harm.
  • professional judgement identifies significant concerns, even if the DASH threshold is not met.

You should use professional judgement when:

  • you are unable to complete the DASH but have concerns about someone’s safety due to a disclosure of ongoing domestic abuse.
  • there are significant risk indicators present, such as:
    • strangulation or choking
    • recent separation
    • stalking
    • high levels of fear reported by the victim
    • increasing severity or frequency of abuse
    • coercive or controlling behaviours
  • there is previously unreported abuse, including sexual violence, which is also a high-risk indicator and often linked to coercive control

The MARAC process

Stage 1: Identification - Anyone can refer cases where risk is high.

Stage 2: Risk Assessment - Using the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour-based violence) checklist.

Stage 3: Referral - Submitted to the MARAC coordinator, including supporting evidence.

Stage 4: Preparation - All agencies review the case and prepare to contribute actions.

Stage 5: MARAC Meeting - Agencies discuss the case and agree on an action plan.

Stage 6: Follow-up - Actions are implemented, monitored and reviewed.

What is DASH?

The DASH Risk Checklist is a standardised tool used to assess the level of risk a person faces in a domestic abuse situation. It covers:

  • coercive control
  • escalation
  • sexual violence
  • threats to life
  • strangulation
  • victim fear level

In Westmorland and Furness this is combined with the homicide timeline to help us explore the risks posed by domestic abuse.

Guidance can be found in the following documents: 

Submit completed assessments by email to cumbriaidsva@victimsupport.org.uk

Ensure files are password protected - send passwords separately.

SafeLives risk identification checklist (RIC)

The SafeLives Risk Identification Checklist (RIC) is designed to help identify risk in cases of domestic abuse, stalking and ‘honour’-based violence, including in young people’s relationships.

The Young People’s RIC adapts research on adult domestic abuse to reflect the specific risks faced by young people in abusive intimate relationships. It supports practitioners in starting the risk assessment process with a young person who may be experiencing harm from a partner.

Dash risk checklist: young people (SafeLives)

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a partnership between the police and schools designed to support children who are exposed to domestic abuse. When police attend an incident of domestic abuse where a child is present, they confidentially inform the child’s school before the next school day. This ensures that trusted adults are aware and can provide immediate support, care and understanding in a safe environment.

Here you can access the support guide for Early Years Settings, Schools and other Educational Establishments in Cumbria, as well as a template letter for parents to explain Operation Encompass.

Legal protections: orders and injunctions

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, there are legal measures available to help keep you safe. These protections can place clear legal boundaries on an abuser's actions and offer enforcement through the police if breached.

These include:

  • non-molestation orders: prevent an abuser from harassing or threatening you or your child
  • occupation orders: regulate who can live in the family home, and may exclude the abuser
  • injunctions: immediate legal protection with police enforcement if breached

Support for perpetrators of domestic abuse

Breaking the cycle of domestic abuse is essential to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of individuals and families across Westmorland and Furness.

Turning the spotlight (TTS)

Turning the Spotlight is a RESPECT-accredited programme that takes a holistic, whole-family approach to working with individuals who are causing harm. It includes cases where relationship conflict is becoming — or has the potential to become — abusive.

Turning the Spotlight referral form (PDF , 346KB)

The standard programme runs for 12 weeks and focuses on developing healthy relationships.

Victim Support Cumbria provide support that is free and does not require a police report, meaning perpetrators can access help without a criminal conviction.

Domestic abuse supported accommodation

Help is available for adults and children fleeing domestic abuse. Local councils have a statutory duty to provide both accommodation and support.

Children in supported accommodation can access support from Westmorland and Furness’s children and young people’s domestic abuse supported accommodation worker. This role sits within children’s services. For more information please email dateam@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk.

We've published information on how to access domestic abuse support in Cumbria.

Disclosures of domestic abuse

When someone discloses domestic abuse—whether a child or an adult—it's vital to respond with care, sensitivity, and urgency. Your response can make a significant difference in their safety and wellbeing.

If a child discloses abuse

Children may not always have the words to explain what they’re experiencing, but when they do speak up, your response matters. Here's how to help:

  • listen carefully to what they are saying
  • reassure them for speaking up
  • let them know it’s not their fault
  • take them seriously—even if what they say is difficult to hear
  • do not confront the alleged abuser
  • explain what will happen next in an age-appropriate way
  • report the disclosure immediately following your safeguarding procedures
  • do not promise that you can keep what they disclose confidential

If an adult discloses abuse

When an adult opens up about domestic abuse, it's essential to respond in a supportive and informed way:

  • listen with care and without judgment
  • complete a DASH Risk Assessment to determine the level of risk
  • follow your agency's safeguarding procedures to ensure the individual gets appropriate support
  • consider any disabilities during the assessment, as these may influence the person’s safety and support planning needs

Lone children

If adults have been removed from a situation and children are left alone, contact the Safeguarding Hub immediately.

Telephone: 0300 373 2724 

Email: safeguarding.hub@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Domestic abuse as a business priority for the WFSCP 

Westmorland and Furness Safeguarding Children Partnership (WFSCP) has a business priority to improve identification and response to children who are impacted by Domestic Abuse. We are committed to improving outcomes for children, young people and families affected by domestic abuse through a coordinated, multi-agency response.

By prioritising this area, WFSCP will focus on:

  • early identification and intervention
  • strengthening frontline practice
  • promoting the voice and lived experience of children
  • ensuring consistent support for both victims and perpetrators

This commitment underpins our wider safeguarding strategy and reflects the serious and lasting impact domestic abuse can have on children and young people.