Victims of domestic abuse with chaotic and damaging lifestyles were struggling to engage with existing services. People experiencing multiple needs often have ineffective contact with services, as in most cases the services are designed to deal with one problem at a time and to support people with single, severe conditions. Additionally, service users may feel stigmatized and lack the confidence, trust and rapport to reach out to services themselves.
Client
A partnership initiative between a Council and the social enterprise Spectrum Community Health CIC to offer personalised support for repeat victims of domestic abuse. The service was funded by a Police and Crime Commissioner.
The Solution
I worked with partners to create the DAN (Domestic Abuse Navigator) Service to provide extra staffing and expertise, giving victims personalized and targeted support. This support addresses clients’ underlying issues such as mental health difficulties, substance misuse issues, housing problems and financial difficulties. These complex issues need addressing if the cycle of abuse is to be effectively broken.
My support Included:
- provision of guidance and expertise through attendance at and contribution to steering group meetings
- development of the pathway for support to ensure integration and added value to existing service provision
- development of operating procedures, referral forms and information systems
- briefing and support of the evaluation team
- management of the project action plan.
The Outcome
The total saving for just one client from a reduction in prison, police, court and hospital costs, was over £46,000. The one-year evaluation found that intensive DAN support is effective in reducing the risk of repeat episodes of domestic abuse. It also reduces the risk of relapse into problematic drug, alcohol or nicotine use.
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