Anyone can be a victim of abuse regardless of age, race, income, religion, belief, sex, disability, culture or sexual orientation. Domestic abuse can happen in couple relationships and between family members. Abuse can be psychological, physical, financial or emotional. It can include:
We are pleased to present Bristol’s Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence strategy 2024 – 2027, on behalf of all the partners across the city working to protect and support those affected by it. This strategy was developed in collaboration with those impacted by domestic abuse and with partners across Bristol
To view the strategy please click here
A MARAC is a meeting where information is shared on the highest risk domestic abuse cases between representatives of local police, health, child protection, housing practitioners, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs) and other specialists from the statutory and voluntary sectors.
After sharing all relevant information they have about a victim, the representatives discuss options for increasing the safety of the victim and turn these into a co-ordinated action plan. The primary focus of the MARAC is to safeguard the adult victim. The MARAC will also make links with other fora to safeguard children and manage the behaviour of the perpetrator.
At the heart of a MARAC is the working assumption that no single agency or individual can see the complete picture of the life of a victim, but all may have insights that are crucial to their safety.
The victim does not attend the meeting but is represented by an IDVA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor) who speaks on their behalf.
Bristol MARAC Referral Form (2022)
Bristol MARAC Referral Criteria and Referral Guidance (2021)
Safe Lives DASH risk checklist
MARAC Leaflet for Victims (2021)
MARAC Leaflet for Professionals (2021)
The Domestic Abuse Advisory group, formed of experts in the family court system from all professions involved, has launched a new and freely available guide for any victims of domestic abuse going through a process that can too often feel confusing and frightening.
You can download the document from the article here
Safe Lives have created a Resource Spotlight on Young People and Domestic Abuse focusing on the experiences of young people (13 to 17 years) affected by domestic abuse and the professionals who support them.
Bristol Ideal award for schools
The Bristol Ideal award looks at how schools can play a crucial role in preventing domestic abuse and sexual violence in the city. To achieve the Bristol Ideal award, schools need to follow a set of standards to tackle domestic and sexual violence and promote healthy relationships, respect and gender equality.
For more information visit the Bristol Healthy Schools website
Contact healthy.schools@bristol.gov.uk for more information or support.
The Keeping Bristol Safe Partnership has created a resource on Older People and Domestic Abuse following a recommendation from a Domestic Homicide Review. Anyone can be a victim of abuse regardless of age, race, income, religion, belief, sex, disability, culture or sexual orientation. Older people may have different experiences of domestic abuse and sexual violence and are less likely to access specialist services.
REPROVIDE is a 26-week group-based domestic violence perpetrator programme run by Splitz. For more information read this information leaflet for professionals.
Domestic abuse support for Bristol residents- Advice, support and resources for anyone affected by domestic abuse
Conference resource pack - In 2018 the Bristol Safeguarding Children Boards Annual Conference was titled Violence within Families: What can Bristol do to break the cycle of abuse?
