Introduction

Positive statement on women
Definition of Domestic Violence
The size of the problem
Myths and stereotypes associated with domestic violence

Basic Principles

Establish the needs of the woman
Maintain confidentiality
Listen and empathise
DO'S and DON'TS
Referrals
Publicity
Enhanced Evidence Collection
Record any findings or suspicions
Body map
Photographs

Protection under Criminal Law

Police response: what action can the police take?
Police powers under the law
The Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Gathering evidence
Taking action to prosecute
If the woman does not want to press charges
Going to court
Ethnic minority women and police response
Complaints against police action
Financial compensation for assault

Help available under Civil Law

Injunctions
Non-molestation orders
Occupation orders
Court decisions
Giving evidence to the civil court
Protection in an emergency
Undertakings
Breach of injunctions
Getting legal representation
Legal Aid
Human Rights Act

The Probation Service: Help for victims

Victim Liason Service
Victim's Unit
Offenders with life sentences
Offenders with prison sentences of four years or more
Offenders with prison sentences of more than 12 months but less
than 4 years
Domestic Violence

Housing

Staying with family or friends
Renting privately
Temporary accommodation: refuges and hostels
Local authority duties under the Housing Act 1996
Domestic violence and homelessness
Priority need for housing
Permanent accommodation
Housing people with immigration restrictions
Newham Housing DepartmentÕs Domestic Violence Policy
Newham rehousing policy
Avoiding homelessness: remaining in her own home
Transfer of the tenancy to the woman's name
Owner occupiers
Homes - Mobility Scheme

Divorce and Separation

Grounds for divorce
Undefended divorce
Defended divorce
Judicial separation
Divorce provision: The Family Law Act 1996

Children

Impact of domestic violence on children
Links between Domestic Violence & Child Protection
Impact of Domestic Violence on Parenting
Use of child contact to perpetrate domestic violence
Children's welfare and the Children Act 1989
The welfare checklist
Parental responsibility
Child protection issues
Court orders for making arrangements for children in relationship breakdown
Welfare reports

Immigration

Immigration laws and domestic violence
Public funds
Refugees and asylum seekers
Asylum and Immigration Act 1996
Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
Asylum seekers and entitlement to state benefits
Help from social services departments
Children Act 1989
National Health Service and Community Care Act 1990
The National Assistance Act 1948
National Asylum Support Service (NASS)
Further information on immigration

Welfare Benefits

DSS/Benefits
Income Support
Working Families' Tax Credit
Job Seekers Allowance
Incapacity Benefit
Child Benefit
Housing Benefit & Council Tax Benefit
Council Tax
Social Fund
Budgeting Loan
Crisis Loan
Community Care Grant
Sure Start Maternity Grant
Benefits for those Subject to Immigration Control
Further Information on Welfare Benefits

Health Issues

Impact of Domestic Violence on Health
The Cost to the Health Service of Domestic Violence
Why don't women tell?
Why should health professionals encourage women to tell?
"But I can't talk to my doctor"
Identifying domestic violence
Patient Consultation
Action Required from Health Professionals
Confidentiality
Children/Young Person's Confidentiality
End note
Further reading

Education

Nursery education
Finding a school
Entitlements
Registration
Sponsored day care places
Special educational needs at nursery level
Special educational needs at primary/secondary level
Educational welfare
Teacher and student support
Voluntary sector resources
Young people and education
Adult Education Services

CONTACT NUMBERS

Newham Domestic Violence Inter-Agency Procedure

Aims of the procedure
Initial Contact with the Client
Interviewing the Client
Assessing Clients Experiencing Violence
Third Party Contact & Monitoring
Making a Referral
Completing DV1
New Contact
Ongoing Cases
Monitoring Protocols
Central Monitoring Systems Protocols
Depersonalised Information from the Central Monitoring System
Guidance Notes

Newham Domestic Violence Policy

Definition
Principles that underpins the DV Policy
Auditing procedures

Newham Domestic Violence Training

Objective
Implementing the Training Strategy
Training issues related to implementing the Domestic Violence Policy Training Programmes
Proposed Composition of Core Training Group

Newham Domestic Violence Forum

Our Vision
Definition of Domestic Violence
Women's Charter
Terms of reference
Monitoring and Evaluation
Membership requirements
Terms and conditions of Newham Domestic Violence Forum
Attendance on the Forum
Responsibility of the Agency's Representative

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