In its latest podcast, SafeLives' Lucy Giles highlights the challenges that domestic abuse professionals face identifying primary perpetrators in cases of domestic abuse and dealing with counter allegations. Counter allegations, where both parties allege abuse, are a common challenge for professionals encountering domestic abuse. Prevailing misconceptions about the nature of domestic abuse and counter allegations can result in increased risk for victims and children. For example, victims may be unable to access services, risking further isolation and victimisation. They may even lose care of their children and suffer psychological impact from not being believed. Concerningly, if such cases are not identified and resolved properly, agencies’ actions may inadvertently help the perpetrator to isolate and control the victim further. This podcast walks domestic abuse practitioners through SafeLives’ new expert guidance.

Young people experience the highest rates of domestic abuse of any age group. Professionals working with young people are in the unique position to support them to have healthy relationships during this critical window - before they harm or are harmed. They can also be there to support and speak to a young person if they are worried about their relationship. To do this, professionals need to feel confident starting conversations about relationships. Building on our research, we have developed a resource pack for professionals to use to start conversations with young people about relationships and explore what healthy looks like. Read more: https://safelives.org.uk/voices-men-and-boys Download the resource pack: https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/SafeLives%20Resource%20Pack%20-%20final.pdf

In this podcast we hear from SafeLives’ practice consultant Lucy Giles and Emily McCarron from Age UK discussing the effect of COVID-19 on the prevalence of elder abuse and the impact of elder abuse in general. Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely so please excuse the audio quality

In this podcast we hear from Jo Silver, Director of Innovation at SafeLives as she sits down again with Louisa Rolfe, Deputy Chief Constable of West Midlands Police to discuss what has changed a couple of months on from when lockdown started. Please note that government restrictions, social distancing and shielding guidance has changed since this podcast was recorded however, it still offers an interesting look into the Police response to COVID-19 and how they can help those who are concerned about a partner or family member’s behaviour during this time. For the most recent government guidance on covid-19, go to https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

Collette Eaton-Harris speaks to Dr Jess Roy of Bristol University, about the changed risks children may be facing at home, and how social workers can safely work with them during Covid-19

Deidre from SafeLives speaks to Zoe Jackson from Aurora New Dawn, about how her team have been supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse during lockdown

Our Head of Practice, Michelle Phillips, has a chat with Sue Penna who is the Chief Creative Officer at Rockpool to discuss the psychological impact of surviving domestic abuse. Throughout, they emphasise the need for a trauma-informed approach when not only dealing with clients, but with colleagues too. Take a look at Rockpool here: https://rockpool.life/ Order your copy of the Recovery Toolkit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Recovery-Toolkit-support-journey-Domestic/dp/1838025006/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1588597773&sr=1-6 Please note: this podcast was recorded remotely so please excuse the audio quality

In this podcast, former SafeLives CEO Suzanne Jacob sits down with Ngozi who runs Sistah Space - a community based initiative that supports African heritage women and girls. Ngozi talks about the systemic racism she encounters while supporting her clients, and what needs to change. Find out more about Sistah Space: https://www.sistahspace.org/ Donate to the service: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/charity-web/charity/displayCharityCampaignPage.action?charityCampaignUrl=sistahspace

SafeLives' Daniel Ryan speaks to Natalie Whitmore, Service Manager at West Sussex Connect, about best practice when supporting clients through COVID-19. Read more about West Sussex Connect: https://safelives.org.uk/sites/default/files/resources/West_Sussex_Connect_Service_Specification.pdf

Brandy Hubbard, Practice Advisor at SafeLives, speaks to Bob Williams, Safeguarding Manager at North Yorkshire Police, about conducting multi-agency meeting remotely in order to support victims and families during COVID-19. We can support you to run multi-agency forums virtually. Email [email protected] or [email protected]

Rachel Ozanne talks to Olive from Rights of Women and Ursula, a SafeLives Pioneer and co-founder of Voices, about how the family court is operating during the COVID-19 restrictions. They discuss the concerns and issues raised by survivors and also the impact family court proceedings can have. Information and support available via the links below: Legal advice: FLOWS: https://www.flows.org.uk/ Rights of Women - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-advice/ Legal information online: Rights of Women; • Family law guides: https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/. • Coronavirus and child contact guide - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/coronavirus-and-child-contact-arrangements/ • Coronavirus and remote hearings guide - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/coronavirus-remote-hearings-in-the-family-court/ • How to write a position statement for the family court - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/position-statement/ • How to appeal a family court decision - https://rightsofwomen.org.uk/get-information/family-law/how-to-appeal-family-court-decisions/ President of the Family Division’s guidance on child contact: https://www.judiciary.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Coronavirus-public-guidance-updated-31-March.pdf Survey on remote hearings: The Transparency Project - http://www.transparencyproject.org.uk/how-are-remote-family-court-hearings-working-for-families-survey/ Domestic abuse & mental health resources / support; Find a domestic abuse service or get advice: https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/ Mental health resources: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/ https://beaconhouse.org.uk/covid-19-support-resources/ https://www.blurtitout.org/product-category/self-helpful/free-downloads/ https://rockpool.life/ Children and young people; https://www.cafcass.gov.uk/grown-ups/parents-and-carers/covid-19-guidance-for-children-and-families/ https://youngminds.org.uk/ https://www.themix.org.uk/