Domestic abuse and sexual violence - guidance for professionals

Domestic abuse and sexual violence can happen to anyone. Victims can be any age, gender, race or class.

Abusive behaviour includes:

• physical, sexual and emotional abuse
• controlling behaviour
• threats and intimidation
• economic abuse
• harassment and stalking

Sexual violence is a non-consensual sexual act involving force or coercion.

It includes:

• rape or sexual assault
• sexual harassment
• female genital mutilation

Supporting victims of abuse

You may be the first person someone discloses their abuse to. You need to know how to respond and help them access specialist help.

Domestic abuse support

Change Grow Live provide domestic abuse support in East Sussex.

Professionals can refer anyone in East Sussex aged 16+ affected by:

• domestic abuse
• sexual abuse
• violence

Refuge services

Clarion provide refuge services in East Sussex. To make a referral:

• Email (secure) for agencies with a CJSM account: referrals.eastsussex@ca.cjsm.net
• Email (non-secure), password protected: referrals.eastsussex@clarionhg.com

Guidance for professionals

• Advice for practitioners on domestic abuse | East Sussex County Council

Government plans

• Tackling violence against women and girls strategy | GOV.UK
• Tackling domestic abuse plan | GOV.UK

The steps to take to ensure victims get the support they need. 

• Violence against women and girls: national statement of expectations | GOV.UK

How frontline officers must apply the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme, also known as Clare’s Law:

• Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme | GOV.UK

Pan-Sussex publications

• Pan-Sussex Strategy for domestic abuse accommodation and support 2021-2024 | Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner

Related information

• Multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARAC)
• Reviews into deaths from domestic abuse
• Info for professionals | Refuge