Domestic Abuse Helpline
24 hour domestic violence helpline
Champion Scheme
The aim of the scheme is to ensure that in each organisation there is at least one member of the team who has received training in domestic abuse, has a full knowledge of services and support available and is aware how to complete a risk assessment and refer into the MARAC if this is needed.
We currently have an established network of Domestic Abuse Champions across Central Bedfordshire and Bedfordshire Borough.
Over the next twelve months we are actively looking to further develop our champion scheme. This will involve us creating a bespoke training programme and encouraging new organisations to take up the champions scheme.
If you would like to enquire about becoming a champion for your organisation or team then please contact us bdap@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Register to become a DA Champion
you would like to become a DA Champion please complete the application form and we'll be in touch ASAP
What is a Domestic Abuse Champion?
A domestic abuse champion is a member of a service (statutory or voluntary) who has received additional training and has access to further information and support for domestic abuse.
The purpose of a champion is to support their team, so if anybody has any concerns about a victim/survivor of domestic abuse, that person would be able to support and advise them appropriately. This may be advising them on how to or actually assisting them to complete a DASH (Domestic Abuse Stalking & Harassment) risk assessment , making a referral to MARAC, or simply informing them of services that may help the survivor.
A domestic abuse champion is not there as an open service for members of the public to approach, they simply support their organisation if a disclosure is made or abuse is suspected.
The training we ask our representative to attend covers;
Basic awareness of domestic abuse
This training looks to improve peoples’ knowledge of domestic abuse and educate on different forms of abuse.
How to ask about domestic abuse & respond appropriately
This training provides champions with the knowledge of how to have an appropriate and sensitive conversation with a victim/survivor about their situation in order to assess whether there is in fact domestic abuse taking place. It includes training on the DASH risk assessment; how to complete it and how to refer into the MARAC.
MODUS
MODUS is the system all agencies in Bedfordshire use to refer into the MARAC. Not all champions will need access to this system as they will be provided with a contact to make referrals instead of making them on an individual basis. However, if the champion is likely to make a high level of referrals they will be granted access to the system and receive full training on how to use it.
What organisations should have a Domestic Abuse Champion?
Our goal is to have a domestic abuse champion within all services (statutory and voluntary) that work with the public. By upskilling as many people as we can with the knowledge to recognise the signs of abuse and how to escalate it, we are maximising our potential to safeguard the community of Bedfordshire. We also hope that by increasing the amount of champions we have in place, we are raising awareness of domestic abuse and the confidence to report it.
What are the benefits of having a Champion?
There are several different benefits to having a domestic abuse champion in your team or organisation:
For Agencies
- Shows a commitment to tackling domestic abuse
- Increases inter-agency engagement and working
- Provides networking opportunities
- Single point of contact for colleagues to source the most up to date information, resources and support locally.
For Victim/survivors
- Coordinated support for victims and their families from local agencies
- Clear and consistent advice for victims and information on support agencies
For Individual Workers (champion)
- Increased confidence when responding to domestic abuse disclosures
- Ongoing professional development with access to free training, resources and networking opportunities
- Stronger links with partner agencies and the chance to share best practice
For more information on joining or nominating a domestic abuse champion then please contact us on bdap@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Champions' roles and responsibilities
The Bedfordshire Domestic Abuse Partnership will assist all champions with training to be confident in their role. As a domestic abuse champion you will be responsible for the following:
- To act as a single point of contact for your team or service for any queries on domestic abuse. This involves accurate and effective signposting to services available for victims, along with an up to date knowledge of services for perpetrators and victims too.
- Where required to be able to complete a DASH risk assessment with the victim, or assisting a colleague to be able to complete this with the victim.
- To be able to advise colleagues or clients about identifying risk, safety planning and victim consent.
- To submit referrals to the appropriate MARAC if they meet threshold.
Where appropriate to undertake additional training on MODUS.
Our responsibilities to you
- Provide free training courses that are required to become a champion
- Access to our members only area on the website to keep up to date with current information and legislation
- A dedicated point of contact within the partnership to contact with questions and concerns
- Monthly updates from the partnership
- Provision of at least two multi-agency networking opportunities per year
Fore more information on becoming a domestic abuse champion the please contact us on bdap@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
Register to become a DA Champion
you would like to become a DA Champion please complete the application form and we'll be in touch ASAP