DA risk indicators

Separation

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Here are some common factors included in the DASH that impact upon risk. Click the audio icons if you would like sound.

Risk factors

Pregnancy

Escalation

Stalking

Sexual violence

Strangulation/ suffocation

Culture/ community

41% of women killed by a partner/ex-partner in England, Wales & N. Ireland in 2018 had separated/taken steps to separate from them. 30% were killed within the first month of separation & 65% were killed within the first year (Femicide Census, 2020).

Domestic abuse during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, low birth weight, and other risks. Perpetrators may block access to health and support services. Over a third of domestic abuse cases start or get worse during pregnancy.

If the abuse is getting worse in frequency and/or severity, the victim is at greater risk of significant harm. When exploring risk with someone, assess whether the incidents have escalated in the last few months.

Stalking is pattern of incidents characterised by the perpetrator’s fixated, obsessive and repeated behaviour that is unwanted by the victim. A 2017 University of Gloucester study found that 94% of 358 domestic homicides involved stalking.

Sexual violence can have an impact on someone’s physical and mental health. Approximately 90% of individuals who are raped know the perpetrator prior to the offence.

Strangulation attempts are strong predictors of domestic homicide (TISP). It's the 2nd most common method in female homicides (CWJ), but often lacks visible evidence. The Serious Crime Act 2015 has two non-fatal strangulation & suffocation offences.

Is the victim at risk of abuse from wider family or community? It may be harder to provide support to a victim of so-called honour based abuse if they have wide family and community networks that go beyond the local area.