Online Privacy

• Appendix 1: Profile and Criteria for DVACs
• Appendix 2: Application for DVAC (11KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 3: DVAC Confidentiality and Safety Agreement (12KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 4: Client Record Form (19KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 5: DVAC Confidentiality and Safety Statement
• Appendix 6: DVAC Questions/Statements Checklist (27KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 7: Complaints Procedure
• Appendix 8: Client Evaluation Form (24KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 9: DVAC Supervision Record (11KB - pdf help)
• Appendix 10: MARAC/DASH Risk Assessment Form (54KB - pdf help)

Appendix 1

PROFILE AND CRITERIA FOR DVAC

Knowledge (This can be gained as part of the training)

• An understanding of the extent of domestic violence and abuse within our society and workplaces
• An understanding of the impact of domestic violence and abuse on employees
• An appreciation of the responsibilities of managers and best practice
• An understanding of the need for victim-focussed risk assessment
• An ability to carry out an effective risk assessment
• Knowledge of the MARAC process (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference)
• An understanding of the link between risk assessment and child protection
• An ability to identify the themes of perpetrator behaviour
• An ability to recognise the challenges posed by perpetrators
• An ability to recognise and assess the risk perpetrators present
• Knowledge of current research and relevant local practices pertinent to perpetrators of domestic violence and abuse
• Awareness of multi-agency best practice in relation to domestic violence and abuse

Skills  

• Interpersonal Effectiveness
• Emotional Literacy
• Non-judgemental Approach
• Assertiveness
• Facilitation of Others to Reach Decisions
• Literate (an Adviser’s role may be to help write letters) Interpersonal skills in order to engage perpetrators in the assessment process
• Skills to avoid collusion with the perpetrator

Attributes/Abilities  

• Practise Anti-Discrimination
• Practise Confidentiality
• An Ability to manage boundaries knowing the role of Adviser and where it ends
• Confidence to inspire confidence in others
• Self-awareness – and an ability to know what “hooks us” and if appropriate, refer on

Appendix 5

DVAC CONFIDENTIALITY AND SAFETY STATEMENT

Devon County Council through the DVAC service offers private and confidential advice and support to DCC employees who are affected by Domestic Violence and Abuse.

The DVAC will not give the client’s name or any information from or about the client to anyone else without a client’s consent unless a DVAC has reason to believe that the client, or a child, may be at risk of serious harm.

DVACs will receive regular supervision in which they may discuss their concerns about a client without using their name.

Appendix 7

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

DVACs and Clients have the right to voice their concerns if they consider that they have not been supported appropriately or have concerns about the ways in which they have been supported.

DVACs should, in the first instance, voice concerns with their supervisor to determine next steps.

All concerns should be sent, in writing, to Rachel Martin, Adva Manager by email rachel.martin@devon.gov.uk or letter to G41 CEX, County Hall, Topsham Road, Exeter, EX2 4QD.

The adva Manager will note the concerns, and liaise with Personnel and Performance, as appropriate, and will respond to the written concern/s within 15 working days.

The adva Manager has the right to discontinue the service of a DVAC, and notify the DVAC’s Manager of this, based on information received that causes concern regarding the individual’s appropriateness for the role. No such action will be taken lightly or without due consideration of the information presented.