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Updated
Written by College of Policing
Domestic abuse
4 mins read
First response supervisor's checklist
| Checklist of areas for observation and improvement | Yes or No | Areas for improvement |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Victims made to feel safer after police intervention | ||
| 2. First responder demonstrates empathy | ||
| 3. First responder not judging a victim’s life choices | ||
| 4. First responder not judging coping mechanisms such as alcohol/drugs/self-harm | ||
| 5. Collection of evidence and evidence-led prosecutions | ||
| 6. Completion of DARA as a tool to assist investigation and safeguarding not a tick box exercise | ||
| 7. Recognition of and asking about coercive control | ||
| 8. Checks on children’s welfare and reassurance given to children at the scene | ||
| 9. Recognition of, and recording offender manipulation of first responder | ||
| 10. History checks before arrival at scene from the call taker | ||
| 11. Addressing counter allegations | ||
| 12. Ensuring privacy when separating parties | ||
| 13. Telling the victim they are believed and it was the right decision to seek help | ||
| 14. Demonstrates an understanding of why victims can be uncooperative | ||
| 15. Safety planning with a victim and children | ||
| 16. Safeguarding according to need | ||
| 17. Using Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) and the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) | ||
| 18. Demonstrates understanding of the MARAC process and what the MARAC marker means (if applicable) | ||
| 19. Dealing appropriately with the needs of victims from diverse communities | ||
| 20. Targeting perpetrators for disruption and diversion | ||
| 21. Understanding and communicating with young victims and young people that harm in relationships | ||
| 22. Recognising harassment or stalking behaviours | ||
| 23. Recognising interfamilial DA and its dynamics | ||
| 24. Taking positive action and explaining this to the victim | ||
| 25. Referral pathways for victims, children and perpetrators |