Information for professionals

Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service

West Mercia Women's Aid

Multi-agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC)

The following information is also available in pdf format. This pathway was created as one page guidance for professionals to follow when supporting managing a case/client who is being subjected to domestic abuse

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Shropshire Domestic Abuse Pathway

Immediate risk indicators

  • Serious harm - severe distress and/or physical/psychological harm. Risk of homicide, suicide or self-harm
  • Likelihood of harm - assess frequency: is it happening daily or at every opportunity? Living together or apart? Is the person planning to leave?
  • Beyond physical harm - include non-physical risks like harrassment, control, coercion and stalking. Is it honour-based?
  • Impact on children - children witnessing or experiencing abuse are also victims, whether experiences are direct or indirect
  • Escalation and cumulative risk - note any increase in incidents, ar consider previous incidents, number of hearings at MARAC (LINK) etc. Ensure that you consider the combination of current and previous incidents. Consider the level of impact on the victim and family

If you consider a situation to be high-risk, take the following steps...

  1. If not immediate but you're concerned it is high-risk (see above), assess and refer the person at risk. Complete the MARAC form (if there's no consent, you'll need to also complete the 'share info without consent' form). Then email them securely to MARACShropshire@westmercia.police.uk
  2. Also refer the person (with consent) to West Mercia Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 783 1359. Support offered to all genders and children. If you're unsure you can contact them directly to discuss.
  3. Does anyone involved care for children or is pregnant? Children living in or subjected to domestic abuse are victims in law. Contact First Point of Contact (FPOC) (children’s safeguarding) 0345 678 9021 or complete the referral form. If it's out of hours contact the Emergency Social Work Team on 0345 678 9040.
  4. Is anyone involved an adult with care and support needs (or their carer)? Contact First Point of Contact (FPOC) (adult safeguarding) 0345 678 9044. If it's out of hours contact the Emergency Social Work Team on 0345 678 9040.
  5. Can the victim complete a Clare’s Law (available for all genders) request (a check into perpetrators' possible past DA offences)?

For perpetrators

  • If the perpetrator is high-risk and admits abusive behaviours, and the case has been referred to MARAC, contact: driveadmin@cranstoun.org.uk
  • If the perpetrator is medium risk would they consider a course to change behaviours? If so, they can call contact Cranstoun – tw@cranstoun.org.uk or call 01952 454 759
  • Are they on probation? If so, contact our Probation Team on 01743 231525

Support for children and young people

Medium risks and concerns present but not immediate

Risk = harm+likelihood

  • Harm: can be physical or psychological. Consider the impact, duration of abuse, and recovery needs
  • Likelihood: Is harm ongoing or likely to recur? Assess frequency, duration, and context. Identify existing strengths, strategies, and support that could reduce risk
  • Escalation and cumulative risk: note any increase in incidents – or consider previous incidents, amount of hearings at MARAC etc. Ensure that you consider the combination of previous and current incidents. Consider the level of impact on the victim and family

Assess the person at risk

When safe to do so, discuss their concerns and yours, be patient and understanding. Use the Domestic Abuse Stalking & Harassment (DASH) checklist to help you. If the person meets the MARAC criteria refer to the immediate risk information on this page. You can also refer to the SSCP website for more information.

Does the person want further support?

They can call the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service on 0300 303 1191 (8am-6pm Mon-Fri) – support is available to all genders and to children. Child to parent abuse support – check guidance
here

For perpetrators

  • Does the person causing harm recognise it and want to change? If so, contact Cranstoun – tw@cranstoun.org.uk or call 01952 454 759
  • Advise them about Respect (call 0808 8024040 - for intimate partner abuse only)
  • If the person causing harm is in a position of trust, refer to relevant children’s and/or adults' multi-agency procedures.

A victim and their children can be in daily terror. If they decline support, always try again, when safe to do so. Buiding trust takes time but can save lives! If unsure talk to a domestic abuse service
professional.

  • If you're still unsure discuss with your line manager or seek advice from your local domestic abuse service for advice
  • Promote Clare’s Law to the public. As professionals you can share risk information to prevent harm
  • Information is available about services for people who are living in or moving to Telford

Take a look at our safety planning advice page.

If you are still concerned or need further advice, consider contacting the Shropshire Domestic Abuse Service or West Mercia Domestic Abuse for advice. You can also contact Shropshire Council's Domestic Abuse Prevention Team (DAPT) who can advise: 

Take a look at our how to get help page to find out how to refer a client for support.

If you're a Shropshire Council employee take a look at Leap Into Learning for ongoing domestic abuse training offers. If not, have a look on the Joint Training webpages.

Sanctuary Scheme

If you're supporting someone experiencing domestic abuse from a non-resident perpetrator and they're concerned about their home security, the Sanctuary Scheme can help. It offers a security assessor appointment to evaluate home safety and explore options like changing locks (if the perpetrator isn't on the tenancy or part-owner) and providing minor safety products such as door braces and window alarms. For more details, email Sanctuaryscheme@shropshire.gov.uk

Have a look at our other useful services page for further help. 

Further information