Mk Domestic Violence Forum

The Code was formulated in 1999 by MK Violence Against Women and Children Working Party. The Working Party's objectives related to domestic violence are part of the MK Crime and Community Safety Strategy. Outcomes and performance measures relating to the implementation of this Code are described in the MK Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy. The targets of the Forum are set and monitored by the MK Crime and Community Safety Partnership.

These agencies and voluntary organisations are signatories to the Code of Practice:

Borneo Linnells Solicitors
Franklins Solicitors
Giffin Couch and Archer Solicitors
Pictons Solicitors
MK Area Child Protection Committee
MK Area Thames Valley Police
MK Council
MK Crime and Community Safety Partnership
MK Family Mediation
MK General NHS Trust
MK National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
MK Primary Care Trust
MK Racial Equality Council
MK Rape Crisis
MK Relate
MK Victim Support
MK Women's Aid
Oxfordshire and Bucks Probation Service
Shelter - MK Housing Aid

Advice and support for victims of Domestic Violence is available from several agencies, particularly from the Police and Women's Aid. There is also a rota of Solicitors to support with emergency Court proceedings.

The Code states that:

Domestic Violence is the abuse experienced by people, principally women and children which is perpetrated by partners or ex partners or by others with whom they are or have been, in a relationship, including carers. Domestic Violence is also experienced within the immediate and extended family. It includes psychological, financial, emotional, physical and sexual abuse.

The impact of Domestic Violence on children is significant and far-reaching. Children can be direct victims of the violence. They are also often traumatised as a result of witnessing the violence. The harm suffered by these children may be long-term, affecting their physical and psychological well being and impairing development in all spheres of life.

The majority of perpetrators of Domestic Violence are men. However, people in same sex and some men in heterosexual partnerships also experience Domestic Violence situations.
Domestic Violence occurs across all social groups throughout society.
An anti-discriminatory approach is integral to all aspects of this Code of Practice.


Staff should:

• Give priority to ensuring the immediate safety of the victim and children
  
• Listen to the victim's report of violence and take it seriously
  
• Not attribute responsibility for the violence to the victim; offenders are accountable for their own behaviour
  
• Appreciate the potential danger of further violence to the victim and do not under-estimate the actual violence that exists toward the victim and the children
  
• Let the victim know that support, information and guidance are readily available
  
• Maintain up-to-date information about the rights of victims, particularly women and children, who are discriminated against in other aspects of life
  
• Create a climate which encourages reporting of incidents of domestic violence by:

• Being accessible to the victim and children
  
• Ensuring the safety of both the victim and children
  
• Raising awareness of the issues of domestic violence within the community
  
• Raising awareness of the issues of domestic violence within partner agencies
  
• Dealing with the victim and children in a caring, sensitive and professional manner
  
• Acknowledge and safeguard victims, children and young people's rights
  
• Recognise and value the expertise of partner agencies in the areas of domestic violence

All Agencies should:

• Work together on behalf of those suffering domestic violence, including children and young people, recognising each agency's responsibilities and limitations
  
• Be aware of the issues, particular to specific ethnic and other minority groups, and ensure that culturally appropriate information and resources are available
  
• Develop joint strategies for the Milton Keynes response to domestic violence, including awareness raising and training
  
• Link this Code of Practice to other relevant Policy or Strategy documents
  
• Evaluate and monitor agency responses to domestic violence.

Outcomes and performance measures relating to the implementation of this Code of Practice are described in the Milton Keynes Crime and Disorder Reduction Strategy.

The Forum's objectives for domestic violence are to:

• Develop an action plan to increase reporting of domestic violence to the police by 10% by 31.3.01 and by 25% by 31.3.02, including, if appropriate, use of reporting centres
  
  
• Prepare and launch a major publicity campaign aimed at increased reporting of domestic violence
  
  
• Produce a plan for a multi-agency approach to the investigation of referrals of domestic violence and work with victims of repeated violence
  
  
• Reduce victimisation from recorded domestic violence by 10% by 31.3.01 and 25% by 31.3.02
  
  
• Facilitate two multi-agency training courses on domestic violence each year
  
  
• Implement the objectives as resources permit

Objectives taken from the
Milton Keynes Crime and Community Safety Strategy

Milton Keynes Domestic Violence Forum Home Page