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Relationships

Mumsnet has not checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you need help urgently or expert advice, please see our domestic violence webguide and/or relationships webguide. Many Mumsnetters experiencing domestic abuse have found this thread helpful: Listen up, everybody

At what point would a referral to social service occur in domestic abuse?

10 replies

Sunisshiningweatherissweet1 · 16/06/2023 13:20

I wasn't sure where this was best placed but I have a question and hoping someone with safeguarding knowledge may be able to answer.

At what point would a health professional make a referral to social services if abuse if suspected in the home? Would it need to be full physical violence? Or more minor assault.

For instance, If a lady disclosed to a health professional that her partner shouted and swore at her, whilst grabbing her and pushing her in front of their child (who was aware as child was shouting). Would this then trigger a social service referral? For instance the woman may want to discuss with a professional to have it documented that an incidence has occurred as it may happen again (and the partner conducting the abuse is a complete narcissist and gaslights).

Thank you.

OP posts:
Mrsmarple123 · 16/06/2023 13:51

Why don’t you leave him then you won’t have social services involved.

MaxwellCat · 16/06/2023 13:52

Yes I would say they would

Sunisshiningweatherissweet1 · 16/06/2023 13:58

It's not my relationship and yes, she should leave. She has a Dr appointment coming up and wanted to mention something. I think she wants some documentation of what has been going on because if it happens again or she ever feels able to report, then it will be recorded that she has disclosed an incident in the past. However her concern is, that by mentioning it. Social services may be contacted.

OP posts:
motheroreily · 16/06/2023 14:02

I think a referral would be made. I don't know if anything would come of it though.

There was an incident with my ex and his wife and the police were called. A referral was made but nothing came of it which was shame because they would have benefitted from some support.

Rainydays777 · 16/06/2023 14:50

I mentioned the abuse I was subjected to by my exH to a doctor, not physical violence but everything else. I begged him not to report it as it would make life harder for me, and he didn’t, but they do have the option to if they think it’s warranted even without your consent. So there is a risk.

ItsCalledAConversation · 16/06/2023 14:54

Yes. This happened to me (I described arguing in front of children to an IAPT therapist in a phone assessment) and it triggered a referral to children’s services. I posted about this so you can look up the thread if you want to. In the end all that happened was a social worker phoned me, talked it through with me, decided it was a normal argument (ie not abusive, something I could manage alone, children happy and unaffected) and closed the case.
If she had decided to pursue, the next step was contacting the school and GP, home visit etc for safeguarding the children while referring me to a domestic abuse charity. This was unnecessary but it felt good (in a way) to know the system is there as is so responsive.

LIZS · 16/06/2023 15:00

Under Safeguarding it would be referred to ss for support. If she can demonstrate a willingness to exclude her p from her life and put the wellbeing and safety of the children first, their involvement will be less hands on. She does not need evidence as such nor should she wait until it has escalated physically as that would indicate that she is unable to recognise and maintain her boundaries.

Sunisshiningweatherissweet1 · 16/06/2023 16:28

Thank you for the replies. It does seem that a referral would possibly be made, so she would be reluctant to discuss with her GP for fear of this. I know she disclosed what happened to a Relate therapist, who said she should speak to women's aid and said she could speak to the police. However no mention was made of social services.

OP posts:
Thisisworsethananticpated · 16/06/2023 20:34

They should call women aid
as this triggers it if serious enough

daffodilandtulip · 16/06/2023 20:51

Safeguarding training for professionals now has domestic abuse level with the other well known categories (sexual, physical, emotional, neglect).

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