Domestic Abuse
Partnership approach
Domestic abuse is a key priority for Wokingham.
The Domestic Abuse Strategic Partnership Board brings organisations together to meet duties under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, including to support victim/survivors and their children in safe accommodation. The Board oversees the borough’s Domestic Abuse Strategy (2025–2028), and coordinates housing, police, health (including mental health) and specialist domestic abuse services. Progress is reported annually to government.
Alongside this, a Domestic Abuse Networking Group of over 40 organisations meets regularly to share learning, training and good practice. Membership is open to any organisation committed to improving outcomes for people affected by domestic abuse in Wokingham.
Understanding domestic abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as harmful behaviour between people aged 16 or over who are personally connected, such as partners, ex‑partners, family members, people with shared parental responsibility for a child or people living together.
Abuse can take many forms, including:
- physical or sexual abuse
- emotional or psychological abuse
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic or financial control
The law also recognises that children are victim/survivors if they see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse, even if they are not directly harmed.
Domestic abuse often involves patterns of control that may not be obvious. Some signs that may indicate someone needs support include:
- becoming isolated from friends or family
- having movements, time or money tightly controlled
- frequent criticism, blame or intimidation
- fearfulness, anxiety or low confidence
- threats to them, children or pets
- unexplained injuries or sudden changes in behaviour
If you have a concern, talk to the person in a safe and private way, using gentle, non‑judgemental questions, such as “How are things at home?”
Trauma‑informed support
When domestic abuse is identified or disclosed, safety comes first.
All SCP responses are victim/survivor‑centred and trauma‑informed, meaning professionals:
- prioritise safety and wellbeing
- involve victim/survivors in decisions wherever possible
- work at the pace that feels right for them
With consent (unless there are valid safeguarding reasons not to), agencies work together to provide joined‑up support.
Where there are disclosures of Domestic Abuse, trained professionals must complete a DASH‑RIC to assess risk. Cases identified as high risk through the DASH‑RIC must be referred to a Multi‑Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC). Professionals can also refer to MARAC even where the score does not indicate high risk, but professional judgement is being used to determine a multiagency lens would be useful.
MARAC brings together police, Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVAs), social care, health, housing and other partners to agree a coordinated safety plan for the victim/survivor and any children.
Risk assessment and MARAC
It is recommended that all organisations routinely risk assess clients they are supporting. This should be done on first engagement with the service as well as regularly throughout the time a client is engaged, as circumstances and risk levels can change.
Risk checklist
The Thames Valley Police version of the DASH risk checklist is known as the DOM5. This checklist enables a shared and consistent means of assessing risk to be in place.
If criminal offences may have been committed by the perpetrator, try to encourage the victim to report what has happened to the police. That way, the police can put additional safety measures in place, e.g. flagging the address on their system.
Young people at risk
A specific risk assessment exists for use with young people who are experiencing domestic abuse. Read the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment and ‘Honour’-based violence) Young People's risk checklist on the Safelives website.
Practitioners should ensure that a referral is made to Children's Services via the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership website, alongside any domestic abuse support, for people under the age of 18.
High risk referrals
Following a risk assessment, if the risk is identified as 'high', a direct referral should be made to a Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).
A MARAC is a monthly meeting where professionals share information on cases identified as high risk by use of the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment, and Honour-based violence (DASH) risk identification checklist. The MARAC will develop a coordinated safety plan to protect each victim. Read the Frequently Asked Questions about the MARAC (PDF document) on the Safelives website for more details.
To make a referral:
Information sharing
Ideally, consent should be obtained from the client for information to be shared. However, information can be shared without consent if there is a risk to the victim.
Read the information sharing advice (PDF document) on the Gov.uk website
Referrals for prolific perpetrators
MATAC (Multi-Agency Tasking and Coordination) is a monthly meeting to identify and tackle the most harmful domestic abuse perpetrators.
The aim of MATAC is to:
- Change offender behaviour
- Reduce re-offending
- Safeguard victims and families
The MATAC will engage with the perpetrator through education, prevention, and diversion methods. Options might include referral to voluntary domestic abuse prevention programmes, working with housing providers and drug/alcohol/mental health intervention. If engagement is unsuccessful, disruption and enforcement tactics are used.
Any practitioner can make a referral to the MATAC based on their judgement and knowledge of the perpetrator being a habitual offender. To make a referral email: matacWokandBrac@thamesvalley.pnn.police.uk.
On receipt of a referral, the case will be researched and considered at the meetings for partner input so that a fuller picture of the offender can be built.
Specialist support in Wokingham
Cranstoun Wokingham Domestic Abuse Service provides 24/7 specialist support.
Professionals can call 0118 402 1921 for advice on referrals or use the secure online referral form.
Support includes safety planning, advocacy, counselling, support for children, and behaviour‑change programmes for people who recognise their abusive behaviour and want help to change.
Thames Valley Police can also use protective measures such as:
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), and
- Clare’s Law, which allows people to ask about a partner’s history of domestic abuse. Requests can be made via 101, and information is shared safely where appropriate.
How to Report Concerns (Domestic Abuse):
Immediate danger
If someone (an adult or a child) is in immediate danger, or violence is happening now, call 999 and ask for the police. Emergency services can help keep people safe and arrange urgent support.
Urgent but not an emergency
If there is concern about domestic abuse but no immediate danger, encourage the person to seek support from the police or specialist services. Professionals can call 101 to report an incident or seek advice. In many situations, a safeguarding or multi‑agency referral may be the most appropriate response.
- If children are involved or may be at risk, make a referral to Children’s Social Care via MASH. Office hours: 0118 908 8002. Out of hours: 01344 351999 (Emergency Duty Team). Email: triage@wokingham.gov.uk - MASH will assess the concern and coordinate a safeguarding response.
- If an adult with care and support needs is involved or may be at risk, make a referral to the Adult Safeguarding Hub. Office hours: 0118 974 6371. Out of hours: 01344 351999 (Emergency Duty Team). Email: adultsafeguardinghub@wokingham.gov.uk
Local specialist support
You can contact Cranstoun Wokingham Domestic Abuse Service at any time for advice, safety planning or referrals.
📞 0118 402 1921 (24/7)
✉️ dass@cranstoun.org.uk
Support is available for people of all genders, and for friends, family members and professionals.
Advice and professional support
Further guidance is available specific to Children through the Berkshire West Safeguarding Children Partnership. You can also seek support from your organisation’s Safeguarding Lead or Domestic Abuse Lead, to help with risk assessment, referrals and local processes.
Support for victim/survivors
You can also help by signposting to confidential support:
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24/7)
- Victims First (Thames Valley): 0300 1234 148
These services offer confidential support, safety advice and help with practical next steps.
Key reminder
The safety of the victim/survivor and any children is always the priority. Record concerns and actions in line with your organisation’s procedures. Information can be shared without consent where needed to protect someone from harm or prevent crime.
A trauma‑informed approach is essential: listen, avoid judgement, and respect the person’s voice and choices wherever possible.