Require trauma informed specialist advocate for victims reporting domestic abuse

Background

Require that victims are given a trauma-informed specialist advocate, separate from an IDVA or appropriate adult, who will support them in person when: reporting abuse; getting help from mental health services and; navigating the system ensuring their abuse, risk, trauma and safety are understood.

Additional details

We are concerned that there is a dangerous gap between reporting abuse and receiving effective protection. Trauma responses and mental health can be used against victims. This new specialist advocate could close this gap via trauma-informed specialist advocacy, mandatory review of original allegations after counter allegations are made & joined up mental health and safeguarding responses.

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