Advancing Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment with University of Chichester
Domestic abuse remains a pervasive issue across the UK, affecting individuals regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic background. Despite existing protocols, many professionals recognize that current risk assessment tools, such as the DASH (Domestic Abuse Stalking and Harassment) and DARA (Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment), have limitations that can hinder effective safeguarding. To address these challenges, the University of Chichester is taking proactive steps through innovative research aimed at refining these assessment tools and improving outcomes for victims.
Understanding the Scope of Domestic Abuse in the UK
Domestic abuse is a complex and widespread problem. It often occurs behind closed doors, making it difficult for authorities and support services to identify victims and provide timely intervention. According to the research and insights from Amber Leeson, a former police officer now pursuing a PhD in psychology at the University of Chichester, the prevalence of domestic abuse is alarmingly high. Her firsthand experience in policing revealed that domestic incidents can range from minor disagreements to severe violence and homicide.
Leeson stresses that domestic abuse does not discriminate and often goes unnoticed, especially when its signs are subtle or coercive control is involved. Coercive control, which includes gaslighting, emotional manipulation, and psychological abuse, is challenging to detect using standard risk assessment protocols that tend to focus on physical injury or overt threats.
Limitations of Current Risk Assessment Tools
While the DASH and DARA frameworks are widely used by police forces in the UK, they have notable gaps. These tools primarily focus on immediate risks such as injury or threats and often fail to capture the nuanced patterns of coercive control and mental health factors that influence a victim’s safety and ability to leave an abusive situation. For instance, they seldom consider neurodiversity or mental health issues like autism, depression, or anxiety, all of which can affect a victim’s capacity to seek help or escape.
Furthermore, the rigid questioning style and lack of rapport-building prompts may cause victims to under-report or feel overwhelmed, thus diminishing the reliability of the assessments. As Leeson points out, asking questions without establishing trust can result in missed opportunities to identify vulnerable individuals in need of support.
Innovative Approaches to Improve Risk Assessments
The research at the University of Chichester aims to develop more comprehensive and sensitive risk assessment tools. By incorporating prompts that help officers build rapport and ask targeted, nuanced questions about coercive control and mental health, the new framework seeks to better identify victims and assess the true level of risk.
This approach includes training officers to recognize subtle signs of coercive control and neurodiversity, as well as integrating questions around mental health status. Such enhancements could enable police and support agencies to deliver more tailored interventions, which are crucial since leaving an abusive partner is often a gradual process requiring ongoing support.
Research Objectives and Expected Impact
Amber Leeson’s ongoing research involves collecting data through surveys and pilot testing new assessment questions. The goal is to verify whether these modifications lead to improved victim responses and more effective safeguarding. Her ambition is to implement these refined tools across police forces and partner agencies, ultimately fostering a systemic change that reduces domestic abuse risks.
Beyond the immediate law enforcement context, these improvements have the potential to influence policy and training programs nationally. An enhanced risk assessment framework could lead to increased victim safety, better resource allocation, and a reduction in repeat incidents.
How to Get Involved and Contribute
Readers interested in supporting this vital research can participate by completing the online survey on risk assessment in domestic abuse. Your input can help shape future safeguarding procedures and contribute to the broader fight against domestic abuse.
Future Directions and Career Aspirations
Following the completion of her research, Leeson plans to continue advocating for evidence-based improvements in domestic abuse safeguarding protocols. Her aim is to facilitate training programs for police officers and social workers, emphasizing the importance of understanding coercive control, mental health, and neurodiversity in risk assessments.
She envisions a future where systemic changes ensure victims are identified more accurately and supported comprehensively—bringing a much-needed shift in how domestic abuse cases are handled across the UK.
Why Improving Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment Matters
Effective risk assessment tools are fundamental in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing tragedies. Updates inspired by research like Leeson’s offer a pathway to more sensitive, accurate, and person-centered evaluations. This progress aligns with the broader goal of enhancing victim outcomes and ensuring that every individual’s safety and dignity are prioritized.
If you’re passionate about supporting domestic abuse victims or interested in contributing to research that can make a real difference, you can learn more about programs at the University of Chichester or participate in ongoing studies related to social justice and safeguarding.
Explore Further Opportunities at the University of Chichester
Interested in pursuing academic research or careers in social justice, law enforcement, or social work? The University of Chichester offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs designed to prepare students for impactful careers. Discover how your skills can benefit society by exploring the university’s courses and research opportunities.
To find out more about our programs or to support ongoing research initiatives, visit the University of Chichester.
