Spotlight on Domestic Abuse Safety Officers

Spotlight on Domestic Abuse Safety Officers (DASOs)

Domestic Abuse Safety Officers (DASOs) are part of the Interventions teams based across the regions. The role is varied, but the primary focus is on the safety of women whose partners or ex-partners are participating in the Building Better Relationships programme and domestic abuse specific Structured Interventions.

DASOs work collaboratively with Probation staff, as well as external stakeholders, to promote safety and manage risk, offer information and signposting, and give their clients a chance to feedback and voice their concerns. They provide a crucial link between the Probation Service and the current or ex-partners of men on the BBR programme.

The role differs from that of a Victim Liaison Officer (VLO), as DASOs work exclusively with the current or ex-partners of the perpetrators of domestic abuse.

The DASOs have recently undergone a name change – you may previously have known them as Partner Link Workers (PLWs). Staff in the role felt it wasn’t an accurate reflection of their work and could be a barrier to engagement with clients. They advocated for their job title to be changed and the feedback they gave directly influenced their new name – Domestic Abuse Safety Officer.

There are 75 DASOs doing vital work across the regions – meet a few of them below and find out some of the key aspects of the role.

Selina’s story

Assessing risk
Selina, a DASO based in the Reading area, receives an emergency call from a client. The client is upset and frightened as her ex-partner has threatened to “burn the house down with her in it”.

The client’s new address has inadvertently been revealed in the restraining order. In a trauma informed approach Selina calms the client down and gives the following advice: begin a safety plan review, report the incident to 101 and contact her GP for support with her wellbeing.

Selina also contacts the domestic abuse lead at the client’s local authority. She prepares and submits a supporting statement on her client’s behalf.

She also informs the Probation Practitioner so risk and risk escalation can be monitored

Francine’s story

Supporting a client who feels let down by the system
In Cheshire, Francine is working with a client who feels let down by the criminal justice system, as she has reported numerous breaches of a restraining order and nothing has happened. Francine reviews the evidence and through her experience as a DASO it transpires that there have been elements of stalking. Using a victim-led approach, Francine discusses with her client how to gather and present evidence to the police. She also works collaboratively to update the perpetrator’s Probation Practitioner.

As an interim measure, a Stalking Protection Order is issued whilst the ex-partner awaits sentencing for his breaches. The client now feels empowered, having been given the skills and confidence to safeguard herself.

Carol’s story

Managing safeguarding concerns
In the Bristol and South Gloucester region, Carol is working with a client who is dismissive about a serious sexual assault by her husband.

Carol assesses the need for a home visit after some extremely difficult conversations with her client. Her biggest concern is that there is a child at risk. Carol notices that the house is not warm or inviting and there are locks on doors and cupboards. The client mentions the lock on the fridge so her son “cannot just take food.” She calls a strategy meeting over her serious safeguarding concerns. As a result of sharing information and partnership working the child is now safely in foster care and thriving.

Alyson’s story

Supporting clients’ mental health
Alyson, a Probation Champion of the Year 2021 finalist, is working with a client with deteriorating mental health and an increase in suicidal thoughts. As a trained therapist, Alyson is able to tailor her approach, working collaboratively with the victim’s GP to create an emotional safety plan and get the best assessment for them. Find out more about Alyson’s work.

Jess’ story

A non-judgemental approach
Jess is supporting her client who has resumed her relationship with her historically abusive ex-partner. As a DASO Jess respects the autonomy of her client through a non-judgemental approach.

A few weeks later Jess receives a call from her client who is scared as her partner is continuously calling and texting, turning up at her home in the middle of the night and sending self-harm pictures. Jess is concerned about an escalation of risk. Through a victim led approach Jess supports her client to go to the police. Jess prioritises safety planning to protect and safeguard her client until an arrest is made.

Sandra’s story

Empowerment
In the North West, DASO Sandra takes a highly sensitive case where one of her clients has disclosed that her ex-partner has videoed raping her.

Her client is scared of her ex-partner and has feelings of shame and guilt – she doesn’t think the police would take her seriously. Sandra works closely with her client to build up her confidence to report the incident to the police. Through a multi-agency response, the client feels empowered to report this serious sexual assault.

Her client’s bravery has since led to a further six girls, some under the age of fifteen, to come forward with evidence of rape allegations.

Rachel’s story

Collaborative working with Probation
DASO Rachel regularly attends supervision meetings to discuss cases with the programmes team. Rachel provides updates on her clients’ experiences of their relationships to ensure their voice is heard and informs her colleagues about completed safety plans. Facilitators share information on the participants’ engagement in BBR, risk concerns, areas of progress and general behaviour in the group. These updates are shared with the Probation Practitioner who can incorporate this into their effective management of the case. Working collaboratively gives a holistic approach to risk management and helps Rachel to create a responsive and individual safety plan for every client.

Tara’s story

Safeguarding
Tara, a DASO based in London, is currently working with a client who is concerned her ex-partner, who has a restraining order, is tracking her via social media to harass her at places she visits. Her client is attending a music festival in Amsterdam and is concerned her ex-partner will be there. Tara discusses safety planning with her client, such as refraining from tagging or sharing photos that identify her location. Tara encourages her client to report any past breaches to the police and provide evidence of the time stamps of her ex-partner at the festival.

Later, Tara suggests the Probation Practitioner contacts border control; they confirm the ex-partner had travelled to Amsterdam. Her client’s ex-partner was recalled but also remanded for the offence of harassment.

Paula’s story

Why our work is so vital

Paula, a DASO, was herself the victim of domestic abuse. The following is an extract from her diary, showing just how vital the work of DASOs is.

“I keep my diary as a reminder that things will never be as bad as they were then”

Day 32: I can hardly see to write this as my eyes are so swollen and I can’t stop shaking…

Day 41: He picked me up by my throat and banged me against the wall until I blacked out…

Day 50: I don’t know how to keep us safe anymore and my kids are terrified that I am going to die, sometimes I think they are right…

Day 101: I made the decision to leave… I hope that leaving hasn’t made things worse…

Day 171: Can’t believe that I have managed to survive… we are at last in our own place

Day 201: I really hope that one day I will get over the shame and guilt and the feeling that I have failed my children.