Information for practitioners

Every year, thousands of people in the UK experience some form of violence including

• domestic violence
• sexual violence and rape
• forced marriage and honour based violence
• sexual exploitation
• trafficking
• stalking
• murder

The human and financial costs of domestic violence and abuse is immeasurable, causing harm and disruption to families, communities and society on a massive scale. The negative impact on individual lives, public services and economic output are widely recognised and illustrated through numerous pieces of research and consultation.

Responding to domestic violence and abuse is a huge task and needs to be tackled on many levels through partnership work, effective commissioning and unrelenting commitment to delivering excellent standards of service to victims and effective responses to perpetrators.

For more information visit the GOV.UK guidance about domestic violence and abuse.

Sexual violence

It is common for victims to experience multiple incidents of sexual violence, sometimes over long periods before seeking help. It is important to note that victims of sexual violence perpetrated by a current or former partner are likely to be victims of the most severe forms of domestic violence.

54% of serious sexual assaults are committed by a woman’s current or former partner. (BCS 2009/10)

Working Together to Safeguard Children – The Bradford Partnership and Bradford Safeguarding Adults Board can also provide additional guidance on domestic abuse and sexual violence.

Bradford Council’s Domestic and Sexual Abuse Team is responsible for supporting work across the district to reduce the prevalence and impact of domestic abuse and sexual violence. It can offer support to practitioners in Bradford, but it is not a direct service for the public.

If you are in danger of immediate harm please call 999.

Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC)

For information relating to how to refer to or attend MARACs please visit our Bradford District MARAC page where you will find the relevant guidance.

Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs)

To find out more about Domestic Homicide Reviews in the Bradford District please visit our dedicated Domestic Homicide Reviews page.

Learning and development

Bradford Council’s Workforce Development Unit offers a range of development opportunities designed to develop the skills, competence and confidence of professionals supporting victims, perpetrators and their families. These courses are targeted at the development needs of colleagues across the Council, within partner organisations and external organisations.

Development opportunities are developed and facilitated by high quality, qualified training officers who have in-depth knowledge and experience in Domestic and Sexual Abuse, as well as offering a wide range of quality training in other areas also.

• Visit our course catalogue

Restorative Justice

Restorative Justice is a victim-focused approach that empowers victims of crime by giving them the opportunity to communicate with the person responsible. It can also help reduce re-offending. If you know a victim who may benefit from this please visit the Restorative Justice West Yorkshire website or call 0800 783 1550.