Introduction
Castle Point Borough Council (‘The Council’) recognises the harm domestic abuse can cause within homes and communities. Everyone has the right to live without fear of violence or abuse. The Council wants all the residents of the Borough and Council employees to be safe from the impact of domestic abuse.
Definition of domestic abuse
The Council recognise the cross-Government definition of domestic abuse as: “Any incident or patterns of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”
Working in partnership
The Council takes all forms of domestic abuse seriously and it is committed to working with partner agencies such as the police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, social services and victim support agencies to support those who experience domestic abuse.
What happens if I report domestic abuse?
The Council realise it is often extremely difficult for the person to come forward for help and it may take several attempts for them to leave an abusive situation. The Council will carry out a risk assessment to plan actions to support victims/survivors including any children.
The Council adopts a collaborative approach with partner agencies when supporting people who are being abused, ensuring that information is shared in a manner which places the safety and protection of the person first. The Council will ensure the victim/survivor has access to the range of support services available to them. The Council will support and empower individuals to report events to the police, but it will not force anyone to do anything they are uncomfortable with. The Council will however always think about its wider safeguarding responsibilities.
The Council will provide relevant advice and help including information about alternative housing, suitable support from specialist organisations. The Council will provide reasonable increased security measures within/around the home where needed, for example additional door locks, sanctuary rooms. This may involve working in conjunction with partner agencies, such as the police.
See our full Domestic Abuse Policy here