Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone has recognised the efforts of her specialist team that is helping to prevent domestic abuse from escalating to crisis point.
The Commissioner’s Domestic Abuse Support Team review referrals made by Northamptonshire Police and intervene to ensure cases do not become high risk.
The team was launched six years ago and was one of the first of its kind in the country. It was set up as children and households that were not deemed high risk were not previously receiving any support. This meant they were potentially missing out on support at the earliest opportunity.
Offering early intervention for young people is one of the Commissioner’s top priorities, and Danielle met some of the team at Darby House recently to praise them for their efforts. She presented them with certificates for the positive impact their work has had for young victims of domestic abuse.
The Domestic Abuse Support Team is made up of qualified Independent Domestic Violence Advisers (IDVAs) and Children’s Domestic Abuse Advocates. They receive 60 referrals every week on average from 999 calls that have been made to Northamptonshire Police.
While high risk cases stay with the Police, the Commissioner’s team deal with low and medium risk cases. They contact each family or individual after determining what kind of intervention may be needed. This can include offering support to children, and helping parents and carers with safety planning, parenting strategies, contact arrangements and access to legal and specialist services.
Lucy Spencer, Senior Practitioner for the Early Intervention and ACE Team, said: “Domestic abuse has a lasting impact for those who are affected. We see that impact first hand, and no child should have to grow up in a household where this happens.
“We offer specialist support that is tailored to their lived experiences, and we know that early support can help young people to build confidence and resilience at a point when it can make the most difference.”
Danielle Stone said: “It is important that we intervene at the earliest possible moment to prevent domestic abuse from escalating.
“I am so proud of the work done by my Domestic Abuse Support Team. They are leading the way nationally in what they do, and they have provided a vital service in supporting cases that were previously not receiving support.
“By helping to prevent escalation and offer families stability, they are also helping to reduce demand on frontline policing.
“So I wanted to personally thank the team for the dedication and passion they show every day. Their work in supporting children and families is making a meaningful difference.”
