We take domestic abuse seriously and recognise it is damaging to victims and their families. It is a criminal offence and will not be tolerated.

What is domestic abuse?

The government defines domestic abuse as any incident of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between people aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.

This can include:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation, and control with the use, or threat of, physical or sexual violence).
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse.
• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Financial or economic abuse.
• Harassment and stalking.
• Online or digital abuse.

How can you help me if I’m experiencing domestic abuse?

When we become aware of domestic abuse, we will make sure you are:

• Listened to, believed and reassured.
• Treated with respect.
• Provided with relevant information.
• Able to expect any reports to be kept confidential.
• Reassured we will ‘keep the door open’ no matter what route you choose, and reassured you have choices/options.
• Make an appropriate Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) referral where domestic abuse is identified and the risk is not managed.

We will also develop an action plan tailored to your needs, working with, and making referrals to, appropriate support agencies. These can include victim support, counselling services and criminal/legal agencies.

We will also support perpetrators who want to work with us and help them to change their behaviour. This may include making referrals to specialist agencies.

You can read more about the service we provide in relation to domestic abuse by downloading our service standard below.

If you would like a copy of our full domestic abuse policy, please call us on 0300 333 6540 or email enquiries@bvt.org.uk