Domestic abuse orders: risk, vulnerability and training

Abstract

The use of Emergency Barring Orders (EBO) in the form of Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders (DVPN-O) in reported Domestic Abuse (DA) cases is a relatively new development in the UK; the effectiveness of these orders has been challenged. A goal of this study is to examine the factors influencing their issue. Freedom of Information requests were used alongside a survey tool. Practitioners (n=76: mainly police practitioners) were asked about approaches to EBO application, risk, and training around DA. The findings indicate that applications are impacted largely by DASH Risk grading, typically resulting in high-risk cases receiving the most attention. Criticisms suggesting that DVPN-Os are of limited use receive some support from this study; however, as their use is restricted to these higher risk cases the full effect of the orders may be limited. The most important factors in decision making are the level of: physical violence; repeated victimization; and the victims support for a DVPN-O. Police intelligence and the presence of children also have an effect on risk ratings. Less importance was given to lower risk graded cases, wider intelligence from family members, and information from social networks. Findings also indicate that Police training is largely limited to ‘on the job’ experience, e-learning and e-mail bulletins. Respondents proposed that training could be enhanced through victim stories, cross-discipline approaches and wider knowledge beyond isolated specialisms. A number of recommendations are made in line with: (1) structuring professional judgement; (2) using victim accounts in Police training; (3) movement towards an evidence-led approach.