A new programme of joint targeted area inspections is set to scrutinise how local UK services are tackling domestic abuse.
Ofsted, Care Quality Commission, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, and HM Inspectorate of Probation will focus on how these services collaborate to safeguard children and support families affected by domestic abuse.
A United Front on Domestic Abuse
Starting in September, these joint inspections will evaluate the effectiveness of local services in protecting children, particularly those under seven, from the devastating impact of domestic abuse.
Since the passing of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children are now officially recognised as victims when they witness or experience domestic abuse, making it crucial for services to address their needs with renewed focus.
The inspections will assess the quality of local support for adult victims as well as the handling of perpetrators, ensuring that each agency—whether in healthcare, social services, or law enforcement—plays its part in creating a coordinated response.
The Importance of a Multi-Agency Approach
Domestic abuse remains a pressing issue across the UK, affecting thousands of families and children.
To combat this, a multi-agency approach has been recognised as the most effective method for tackling the issue, where agencies such as social services, healthcare, education, police, and probation work together to provide a holistic response.
As Yvette Stanley, Ofsted’s National Director for Social Care, explained,
“Domestic abuse is a deeply damaging and widespread issue that requires a long-term, public health-style strategy.”
This thematic inspection seeks to assess whether local areas are succeeding in this collective effort.
In addition to evaluating direct interventions, the inspections will look at how well agencies are sharing information, identifying children at risk, and holding perpetrators accountable.
Martin Jones CBE, Chief Inspector of HM Inspectorate of Probation, highlighted that domestic abuse
“is a common risk factor amongst people under the supervision of the probation service,”
making it vital to effectively manage and reduce these risks.
Areas for Review and Improvement
The inspections will not only spotlight good practice but also identify areas needing improvement. Specifically, the review will focus on:
- Early identification of children living with domestic abuse
- Improved collaboration between services to ensure swift and effective interventions
- Support for adult victims, especially through healthcare and mental health services
- Effective handling of perpetrators through probation and legal services
The collaboration between the inspectorates aims to create a full picture of how well local agencies are responding, ensuring that both children and adult victims receive the care and protection they need.
Focus Areas of JTAI on Domestic Abuse
Focus Area |
Target Group |
Lead Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Protection of children (0-7 years) | Children exposed to domestic abuse | Ofsted |
| Support for adult victims | Women affected by domestic abuse | CQC |
| Perpetrator management | Offenders under probation | HMIP |
| Law enforcement response | Police intervention in domestic incidents | HMICFRS |
Strengthening Support Systems
Quotes from government officials underscore the critical need for these inspections.
Lucy Harte, Deputy Director for Multiagency Operations at Care Quality Commission, emphasised the importance of timely support for young children:
“This is an invaluable opportunity to focus on the experience of young children who need timely support.”
Meanwhile, Michelle Skeer, HM Inspector of Constabulary, highlighted the importance of sustained improvement:
“We must find long-term solutions to keep people safe from domestic abuse.”
Since the previous inspections, police and partner agencies have worked to better understand and respond to the impacts of domestic abuse, with an emphasis on improving child protection.
The Takeaway
The findings from these inspections will provide essential recommendations for how local services can better collaborate, strengthen early interventions, and hold perpetrators accountable. They also aim to ensure that the voices of children and families affected by domestic abuse are heard and addressed.
This ongoing effort marks a critical step forward in addressing the wider social and health challenges posed by domestic abuse, paving the way for hope and offering a promising avenue for more effective responses in the future.
Moreover, by uniting expertise across agencies, these inspections seek to make a profound and lasting impact, thereby ensuring that local services continue to evolve, adapt, and improve, ultimately protecting the most vulnerable individuals from the long-term, devastating effects of domestic abuse.
