Domestic abuse and parental conflict (professionals)

Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern 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.

This can include but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional

Family members are: mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandparents. They can be directly-related, in-laws or step-family.

Domestic abuse can occur in many families and relationships, and doesn’t just affect adults, it affects children too.

There is an expectation all Slough practitioners can respond and provide basic safety advice to anyone suffering with domestic abuse.

Please refer to:

your organisation safeguarding policy for support and guidance
the domestic abuse referral pathway and provision map on the council website.

For information about :

children please check the Slough LSCB Procedures Manual
adults with care and support needs please check the Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy & Procedures .

Hestia will be providing a specialist domestic abuse service in Slough, including outreach support for individuals across East Berkshire. This service will provide practical and emotional support to women, men and children who are victims of domestic abuse via:

adult 16+ Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy Service (IDVA)
outreach support (including specialist provision for BAMER groups)
group-based support.

If you or your client is experiencing abuse, please make a referral by completing the council's domestic abuse referral form. All referrals will be followed up by our team within 48 hours of us receiving them.

Hestia's opening hours are Monday – Friday, 9am - 5pm.

Email: Slough.IDVA@hestia.org or Slough.IDVA@hestia.org.cjsm.net
Telephone: 01753 477352.

Domestic abuse is a specific focus for the Safer Slough Partnership Board under the ‘Violence – Protecting People’ theme.

For further information please contact the Community Safety Team on communitysafety@slough.gov.uk.

Help for families

Families or professionals can contact the following services.

In an emergency call 999 immediately.
To contact police in an non emergency, call 0800 0283550.
Report a child at risk to Slough Children First on 01753 875362.
Report suspected adult abuse to Slough Adult Social Care Services on 01753 475111 (option 1).
Call the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000247.
The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme is often called ‘Clare’s Law’. It gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. Under Clare’s Law, a member of the public can also make enquiries into the partner of a close friend or family member. To make an application you'll need to call 101.

What you can do

Children affected by domestic abuse may suffer long term psychological effects and may require specialist support.

Report suspected:

child abuse to Slough Children First on 01753 875362.
adult abuse to Slough Adult Social Care Services on 01753 475111 (option 1).

You can signpost families to the following services for advice and support.

The 24 hour National Domestic Violence free phone helpline on 0808 2000 247 offers telephone translation services for callers whose first language is not English and BT Type talk for callers with hearing difficulties. This helpline provides support and the opportunity to access refuge services.
Childline and NSPCC helpline offer help and support to children who have worries, concerns.
Victim First Hub provide support for victims of crime.
Hestia offer practical and emotional support to women, men and children who are victims of domestic violence.
Hestia Freedom Programme is a psycho-educational programme for those needing awareness around domestic abuse, may still be in relationship with perpetrator.
Bright Sky is a free to download mobile app provided by Hestia providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.
Galop, the LGBT+ anti-violence charity support lesbian, gay, bi, trans and queer people.
National Centre for Domestic Violence provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence.
Men's Advice Line - Help and support for male victims of domestic violence.
Survivors UK offer support to male survivors of domestic abuse.
Reducing the Risk of Domestic Abuse is dedicated to the safety of adults and children at risk of domestic abuse.
Chances for children - Anchor Project provides funding for items and activities to help a child who might be experiencing a range of emotional or educational difficulties including behavioural problems, low self confidence, isolation and poor school performance.
Flag DV offer a 30 minute free legal advice appointment for victims of domestic abuse. The service is for those aged over 18 years who need advice about family law. Clients will be offered a telephone consultation or face to face appointment and the service is free and available across Thames Valley.