DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE POLICY
Bath Child Contact Centre (BCCC) believes that everyone has the right to live safely and without the fear of violence and abuse. We recognise that domestic violence and abuse is unacceptable and that it occurs throughout society, irrespective of class, culture, gender, income, race, religion or sexuality. Its effects are far-reaching and can impact on others, notably the children. We acknowledge that every child has the right to grow and develop in an environment free of domestic abuse, whether directly as a victim or witness of violence in its own home or in the community.
According to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, ‘Abusive behaviour’ is defined in the act as any of the following:

• physical or sexual abuse

• violent or threatening behaviour

• controlling or coercive behaviour

• economic abuse

• psychological, emotional or other abuse

​Controlling or Coercive Behaviour

Controlling and coercive behaviour is classified as an offence and is constituted by behaviour on the part of the perpetrator which takes place “repeatedly or continuously”. The victim and alleged perpetrator must be “personally connected” at the time the behaviour takes place. The behaviour must have had a “serious effect” on the victim, meaning that it has caused the victim to fear violence will be used against them on “at least two occasions”, or it has had a “substantial adverse effect on the victims’ day to day activities”. The alleged perpetrator must have known that their behaviour would have a serious effect on the victim, or the behaviour must have been such that he or she “ought to have known” it would have that effect.

Controlling or coercive behaviour should be dealt with as part of the Centre’s safeguarding and public protection procedures.

All paid and unpaid staff must have regular training in this area and covered the topic in their induction.

The types of behaviour associated with coercion or control may or may not constitute a criminal offence in their own right. It is important to remember that the presence of controlling or coercive behaviour does not mean that no other offence has been committed or cannot be charged. However, the perpetrator may limit space for action and exhibit a story of ownership and entitlement over the victim. Such behaviours might include:

isolating a person from their friends and family.
depriving them of their basic needs.
monitoring their time.
monitoring a person via online communication tools or using spyware.
taking control over aspects of their everyday life, such as where they can go, who they can see, what to wear and when they can sleep.
depriving them of access to support services, such as specialist support or medical services.
repeatedly putting them down, such as telling them they are worthless.
enforcing rules and activity which humiliate, degrade or dehumanise the victim.
forcing the victim to take part in criminal activity such as shoplifting, neglect or abuse of children to encourage self-blame and prevent disclosure to authorities.
financial abuse, including control of finances, such as only allowing a person a punitive allowance.
threats to hurt or kill.
threats to a child.
threats to reveal or publish private information (e.g. threatening to
 ‘out’ someone).
assault.
criminal damage (such as destruction of household goods).
rape.
preventing a person from having access to transport or from working.
This is not an exhaustive list.
Essential Requirements for Staff in Relation to Managing Domestic Violence and Conflict
a. There will be a minimum of three volunteer staff on duty at all times, and this number will increase depending upon the number of families using the Centre and rooms to be covered.

Additional Requirements
Referrers and families using the Centre will be made aware of its policy in relation to domestic violence. The Centre's policy in relation to domestic violence will be reviewed and, if necessary, updated annually.