DISCLOSURE

Is the person currently experiencing domestic abuse? If the answer is “No”, trust your professional judgement; if you have doubts ring one of the services below for advice. If “Yes”, please continue with flow chart.

ASK

Make an explicit enquiry such as:

“Is someone you live with/or have lived with hurting you and/or frightening you?

ONLY ASK WHEN THE PERSON IS ALONE.

CONSIDER DOMESTIC ABUSE IN PEOPLE WHO PRESENT WITH:

•       Injuries with inadequate explanations

·           Tiredness, Sleeping problems

•       Self-harm/Depression/anxiety

•       Delay in injury presentation

·           Exacerbation of chronic illness

·           Reporting pain more frequently

These are just some examples of markers of domestic abuse. Visit

Is the person (and any children) in immediate danger?

Are they at risk if they go home?

Have a discussion about how they can keep safe.

Does the person have children?

Is the person a vulnerable adult?

IMMEDIATE ACTION

Contact local police on 999 or 101 AND initiate child protection /adult safeguarding procedures.

TALK TO PERSON ABOUT THE RISK TO CHILDREN

To report concerns about children and young people, including

those at risk of sexual exploitation he children are at risk.

Children’s Social Care …………………………. 01709 336080

http://www.rotherham.gov.uk/safeguarding/

RESPOND

If not in immediate risk, you need to have the level of risk assessed. Please ring any of the listed organisations below to arrange a risk assessment for the patient. Always take a safe phone number and time that the person can be contacted

 Rotherham Rise 0330 2020571 Rotherham Women’s Refuge (Refuge – 0870 850 2247)

SAFEGUARDING VULNERABLE ADULTS

Consider mental health & mental health capacity. Consider protective actions and/or potential Safeguarding Adults Alert

Adult Services: ………………………….. 01709 822330

•         Using more prescription pain medication

•         Genital injuries/STIs/Unwanted pregnancy

•         Injuries to the face and neck

•         Broken, missing teeth and other injuries to mouth

•         Injuries to eyes and surrounding area

RECORD

·         Consent to share information (or not) and ensure information is shared appropriately.

·         Explain the need to document domestic abuse and document any injuries for purposes of evidence.

·         Ensure person is seen alone at future appointments.