4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance 2020

It is with great pleasure that we are able to inform you that the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance (2020) has now been ratified by the four Local Safeguarding Adults Boards covering Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton.  This has been a collaborative process involving key stakeholders and safeguarding partners across the four areas.

The new 4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Policy and Guidance has been updated to reflect recent changes in the Care and Support statutory guidance (March 2020), new and emerging national guidance as well as changes to other legislation linked to adult safeguarding work. It provides an overarching framework to inform safeguarding practice for the local safeguarding system as a whole. Individual agencies and organisations may wish to develop their own internal business process to aid the operationalisation of the multi-agency arrangements within their own organisation.

The 4LSAB Multi-Agency Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance is being published as a web-based resource, hosted by the HSAB.  This approach will improve accessibility and will simplify the future updating of Policy and Guidance in the future. Please use this link to access the new policy and guidance:

4LSAB Multi-Agency Policy and Guidance.

Using drugs or alcohol is never an excuse for violence or abuse

“Alcohol, drugs and stress make me violent”.  Ever heard yourself say that?

Substance use, stress, anger and trauma do not explain or excuse violence – they do not cause you to be abusive or to hurt someone you love.  Most people who drink never use violence or abuse. There is #noexcuseforabuse.

Domestic abuse includes a range of abuse (not just physical) which is an attempt to control and manipulate a partner or ex-partner.  It is unacceptable but help and support is available.  Our services are open and they want to hear from you.

Help is available from:

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

COVID helpline for perpetrator support and interventions (provided by the Hampton Trust) 02380 009898, advice@hamptontrust.org.uk

  • One You offers free information and advice on easy ways to gradually drink less
  • Drink Coach offer a free, quick and confidential test to find out how risky your drinking is.
  • A local confidential alcohol helpline is available in Hampshire for people who want further support: 0300 303 3539
  • If you need help with an alcohol or drug problem you can contact Hampshire treatment services for adults or young people. Support is also available to those affected by someone else’s use of drugs or alcohol.  https://www.inclusionhants.org/.

Domestic Abuse help is out there for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender + (LGBT+) communities

Domestic abuse by family, partners, and ex-partners happens in all communities, including to people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender +.  Your abuser may also use your sexuality and gender identity against you as a tactic to keep the power and control in your relationship.  This is not ok.

You are entitled to help as much as any other person.  Help is available, services are open and inclusive, and they want to hear from you.  You will be believed.

Help is available from:

 

 

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

 

  • Galop – for members of the LGBT+ community

 

Galop is the LGBT+ specialist anti-violence charity that works on issues of hate crime, sexual violence, and domestic abuse. Galop runs the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline:

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

Email: help@galop.org.uk

  • Hampshire Police Lesbian and Gay Liaison Officers (LAGLOs)

Officers dedicated to supporting members of the LGBT+ community. Trained to respond to LGBT+ domestic abuse and undertake specific risk assessment.

 

  • YOU Trust refuge, Dorset

 

Offers a service to support people from LGBT+ and BAME communities, male victims and women will older boys who would not be able to access most refuge spaces.

Telephone: 0800 032 5204

Email: youfirst@theyoutrust.org.uk

 

For more information:

Help is available for economic abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms. Economic abuse often happens alongside other types of abuse and is commonly part of a pattern of behaviour where abusers seek to control their victims by means of their finances. They may repeatedly control your everyday actions and take away your choices, becoming violent and abusive (or threatening) if you refuse to meet their demands. With economic abuse, an abuser may restrict how you acquire, spend and manage money and economic resources, such as accommodation, food, clothing and transport (Surviving Economic Abuse, 2020).  They might take your wages, stop you working, or put you in debt.

Social distancing and isolation measures which are in place to control the spread of coronavirus may reinforce the power that an abuser has over you.  If you are concerned about how coronavirus may affect your finances or are experiencing economic abuse, help is available from:

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

Lasting Power of Attorney – Lets Plan Ahead Campaign

The Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board is pleased to announce the launch of the Let’s Plan Ahead (LPA) Campaign, a multi-agency initiative which aims to raise awareness and drive the uptake of Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare.

The HSAB website is hosting the campaign on new, dedicated webpages found here: https://www.hampshiresab.org.uk/lasting-power-of-attorney/

These pages are intended to provide a range of resources to support both the public and professionals to understand the legal arrangements around making a Lasting Power of Attorney, and to share this information with their family members, within staff teams and within the wider community. There are specific resources related to making a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare as the uptake of these is low nationally and every adult should consider having this in place regardless of their age. The resources include short films and information documents which can be downloaded and printed.

We encourage all residents of Hampshire to visit the site and consider making a Lasting Power of Attorney for Health and Welfare. Once you have these arrangements in place you can rest assured that somebody you know and trust, who knows your wishes, will be able to make decisions in your best interests.

Domestic abuse & mental health

Domestic abuse can have an enormous effect on your mental health. It is now well accepted that abuse (both in childhood and in adult life) is often the main factor in the development of depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders, and may lead to sleep disturbances, self-harm, suicide and attempted suicide, eating disorders and drug and alcohol misuse.

Don’t blame yourself – your mental health difficulties are not your fault, and you are not responsible for the abuse: the abuser is.

You are entitled to help as much as any other abused person, and if you have additional support needs, you should get help with them too.

If you are experiencing a crisis and need urgent mental health support, please call 111 or visit www.111.nhs.uk and speak to the NHS Mental Health Triage Service. In life-threatening emergencies, always call 999.

Help is also available from:

 

Advice Line (provided by Stop Domestic Abuse) 03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-8pm

 

  • Solent Mind: Coronavirus mental wellbeing helpline

A new helpline for anyone who is experiencing poor mental health or wellbeing challenges as a result of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic.

Telephone: 023 8017 9049 (Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm)

 

  • Samaritans

Confidential emotional support and listening service

Telephone: 116123 www.samaritans.org

 

For more information: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/domestic-abuse-and-your-mental-health/

Domestic abuse & people living with disabilities

Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic violence than those without disabilities. They are also likely to experience abuse over a longer period of time and to suffer more severe injuries as a result of the violence.  If you are disabled, your abuser may also be your carer, or your personal assistant and you may be reliant on him/her for personal care or mobility.

There is help and support available for anyone experiencing domestic abuse. The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service is able to support people with disabilities and have outreach services or independent advocacy services which can help you. If you need safe accommodation some refuges now have full wheelchair access, and workers who can assist you and your children who have special needs such as physical, sensory (hearing or visual) and learning impairments.

Help is available from:

 

  • Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Telephone Advice Line 03300 165 112 Weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm Fridays)

 

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Website

 

  • Stay Safe East

 

Stay Safe East provides specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled victims and survivors of abuse.

 

  • SignHealth

 

SignHealth provides domestic abuse service support for deaf people in British Sign Language (BSL).

WhatsApp or Facetime: 07970 350366

Telephone: 020 3947 2601

Email: da@signhealth.org.uk

 

  • 999 calls for people who are deaf

 

If you are deaf or can’t verbally communicate, you can register with the emergencySMS service. Text REGISTER to 999. You will get a text which tells you what to do next. Do this when it is safe so you can text when you are in danger.

For more information:

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/the-survivors-handbook/the-survivors-handbook-disabled-women/

Children and young people living with domestic abuse

Is someone in your family hurting someone else? If abuse is happening at home, you probably want it to stop but you might not be sure what you can do. The best thing to do is to tell someone what is going on. You might be able to talk to the person who is being hurt. If not, you could try talking to a teacher, a neighbour, a friend or a friend’s parent, etc.

You can also call a helpline – they will be able to tell you where you can get help near where you live.

Remember, domestic abuse is not your fault. You won’t get into trouble for telling someone.

Help is available from:

  • Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Advice Line

03300 165 112 weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm Fridays)

  • Childline

Telephone: 0800 1111

Childline is available for children and young people to reach out for help and support by phone or using their online chat service. They also provide specific guidance for young people on how to get help and what to do if they are worried about a friend.

  • NSPCC

Telephone: 0808 800 5000

Email: help@nspcc.org.uk

The NSPCC has issued guidance for spotting and reporting the signs of abuse on their website.

The NSPCC Helpline is available for anyone with concerns about a child to contact for professional advice and support.

  • Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s provides support to families affected by domestic abuse.

  • Family Lives

Family Lives also provide support through online forums.

Domestic abuse help is available for perpetrators

Is your family fearful of your behaviour?

The current crisis will be different for every family in Hampshire and for some, this has contributed to an increase in incidents of domestic abuse.

If you are struggling to manage your emotions or behaviour, help and support is available. Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service helps adults and young people who are experiencing all forms of domestic abuse to recognise it and seek help. As part of this service, the Hampton Trust supports those who think they may be hurting or abusing someone to help them to understand and change their behaviour.

It takes strength and courage to take this step. If you need help for yourself or a friend, you can call the confidential advice line on 03300 165 112.

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Advice Line 03300 165 112, weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm Fridays)

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Website

Hampton Trust COVID support line: 02380 009898
Email: advice@hamptontrust.org.uk

Modern Slavery Strategy published June 2020

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership has launched its strategy to tackle Slavery in Hampshire, IOW, Portsmouth and Southampton:

Hampshire Modern Slavery Partnership Strategy 2020-2023

This sets out how it will pursue perpetrators and support victims of slavery and trafficking in its new strategy, launched as figures reveal an increase in potential victims being identified and amid COVID-19 related concerns.

National Referral Statistics for the first quarter of 2020

The Home Office has published Modern Slavery National Referral Statistics for the first quarter of 2020.

Q1 2020 NRM statistics

In quarter 1 2020, 2,871 potential victims of modern slavery were referred to the NRM, this is a 14% decrease from the previous quarter (although a 33% increase from the same quarter in 2019).  This is the 1st quarter-on-quarter decrease since the 3rd quarter of 2016.  The decrease in this quarter is thought to be as a result of the restrictions as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.   Labour exploitation was the most common exploitation type for adult potential victims, whilst criminal exploitation was most commonly reported for child potential victims.

Community safeguarding guidance

The current lockdown restrictions mean that right now, vulnerable children and adults may be particularly isolated. This means that the family, community and professional networks they usually rely on may be unavailable or hard to access. However, safeguarding is everyone’s business. Neighbours, volunteers and professionals – like pharmacists, shop and supermarket workers or anyone who might still be interacting with members of the public – can play a vital role in keeping adults and children safe.

The Home Office, in collaboration with a number of other Government departments, has produced information and guidance for those who are still operating in communities and may not be trained to recognise the signs of abuse or neglect. The guidance covers signs to spot and what to do if there is a concern.

       

Older people can also be affected by domestic abuse

It’s a challenging time for older and vulnerable people living with abuse. Financial abuse is one of the most common forms of abuse reported. If this applies to you or if you are concerned about any other type of harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person, support is available. Remember, you can leave your home to seek support for domestic abuse.

Help is available from:

  • Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Telephone Advice Line 03300 165 112 Weekdays 9.30am-5.30pm (5pm Fridays)

Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service Website

  • We are Hourglass (previously Action on Elder Abuse)

Confidential helpline providing information and support to anyone concerned about harm, abuse or exploitation of an older person.
Telephone: 0808 8088141 www.wearehourglass.org

  • Connect to Support Hampshire has a range of information and to assist older and vulnerable Hampshire residents during the current pandemic
  • The Coronavirus Hampshire Helpline: 0333 370 4000

Hantshelp4vulnerable

Stop Domestic Abuse Service Advice Line Hours

In order to provide increased opportunities to those affected by domestic as lockdown eases, Stop Domestic Abuse are extending their Advice Line for the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service until 8.00pm at night. Please find details in the poster attached below and please do share with your networks.

Stop Domestic Abuse HDAS COVID-19 Extension of Advice Line Hours

 

All contact details are included below:

 

Stop Domestic Abuse

COVID-19 Service Delivery 11 May 2020 – 9 October 2020

 Hampshire Domestic Abuse Service

Email: advice@stopdomesticabuse.uk

Secure email: advice.hampshire@stopdomesticabuse.cjsm.net

Telephone: 033 0016 5112

 

Advice Line opening hours: 

For victims, perpetrators, family/friends and professionals

9.30am-8.00pm Monday –Friday.

 

Refuges can be accessed 24 hrs by calling 033 0016 5112 and following the answerphone instructions.

Hampshire and IOW Crisis Line for Young People

Please find a posters and a leaflet below for a newly commissioned CYP Crisis Line for 11 – 17 year olds in Hampshire & IOW (excluding Portsmouth & Southampton currently). This new service launched on Monday 4th May and will be available via freephone Monday – Thursday 3pm – 8:30pm, including bank holidays.