One minute guide: Domestic abuse - risk at the point of separation

What is domestic violence and abuse

Domestic violence and abuse refers to any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, abuse or violence between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Whilst both men and women may experience incidents of domestic violence and abuse, women are much more likely to be seriously hurt or killed than male victims of domestic abuse. Through the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children and young people are now recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.

Domestic abuse can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse: 

• coercive control
• psychological abuse
• emotional abuse
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• harassment and/ or stalking
• financial or economic abuse
• online or digital abuse
• spiritual and religious abuse

More information about the definition and types of domestic abuse can be found in the 2022 domestic abuse statutory guidance, published by the Home Office. 

Risks at the point of separation

Leaving an abusive relationship is a process that can be scary, complicated and overwhelming. The victim-survivor may in fact attempt to leave their abuser many times before they are finally able to end the relationship and get away.

It is often assumed that any victim-survivors choosing to separate from an abusive partner, family member or an abusive home will reduce the risk of further harm to them and their children. However, evidence from research and surveys of victim-survivors indicates that the risk of further violence and harm actually increases at the point at which a victim-survivor leaves an abuser.

There is evidence that the risk of domestic homicide also increases once a victim-survivor leaves the relationship. In Leeds, separation has been a significant factor in the majority of domestic homicides in recent years. 

For further information about themes identified from domestic homicide reviews in Leeds, please see the one minute guide on Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs). You can also request copies of DHR overview reports by emailing SaferLeedsSafeguardingAndDomesticViolenceTeam@leeds.gov.uk.

Practitioner support for victim-survivors and families dealing with increased risks at the point of separation

There are a number of ways in which practitioners can support victim-survivors and families:

• recognise that separation can be a long, gradual process and risk is dynamic - therefore it should be assessed at regular intervals. Practitioners can use tools such as the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment) risk assessment to help them understand the the risks victim-survivors are experiencing
• talk to victim-survivors about the increased risks associated with separation and work with them to plan the safest way of separating. Offer emotional and practical support if appropriate, for example helping people to explore alternative housing options or signposting them to specialist domestic abuse services
• discuss safety planning with the victim-survivor, such as ensuring they have a charged mobile phone, storing a packed emergency bag with essentials such as clothing, medication and toiletries, setting aside a small amount of money and identifying a safe place to go to in an emergency
• stay in touch with the victim-survivor and/ or abuser to assess ongoing risk and discuss safety planning measures

Support is available in Leeds

Leeds Domestic Violence Service operates a 24 hour helpline for victims of domestic abuse and violence, available on phone: 0113 246 0401.

There is a wealth of information and advice available on the Leeds Domestic Violence Service website for people experiencing domestic abuse in Leeds, including local and national helplines and information for specific groups and communities, for example victims in particular faith communities, victims in same-sex relationships and men who are victims of domestic abuse.

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