Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Course Background

Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse, regardless of sex, gender reassignment, age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sexuality, or background. The 2021 Act introduces a statutory definition of domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse involves any single incident or pattern of conduct where someone’s behaviour towards another is abusive, and where the people involved are aged 16 or over and are, or have been, personally connected to each other (regardless of gender or sexuality).

The abuse can involve, but is not limited to:  psychological, physical, sexual financial, emotional, violent, threatening, controlling, coercive behaviour.

Domestic Abuse covers a range of unacceptable and deeply distressing crimes, including rape and other sexual offences, stalking, domestic abuse, ‘honour’-based abuse (including female genital mutilation, forced marriage and ‘honour’ killings), ‘revenge porn’ and ‘upskirting’, as well as many others. These crimes disproportionately affect women and girls. However, men and boys can also be victims of violence and abuse.

This course will equip staff to be aware of the signs of abuse, identify cases of victims who may be in need of help or protection.  Leaners will have an understanding of why victims/families may be reluctant to engage with professionals and explore referral processes.

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and increasing knowledge, understanding the risk, safeguarding victims saves lives.

Course Background

• Understanding different types of abuse and related legislation amendments.
• Exploring a victim’s journey.
• Identifying indicators of risk.
• Recognising children as victims.
• Understanding coercive control and domestic abuse.
• Insight into strangulation as a form of abuse.
• Understanding the impact on victims.
• Maintaining confidentiality in abuse cases.
• Assessing and managing risk to enhance safety for victims and children.
• Understanding the safeguarding referral process.
• Introduction to multi-agency risk assessment conference (MARAC).
• Understanding the domestic abuse, stalking and honor-based violence (DASH) risk assessment.
• The importance of safety planning.
• Understanding Claire’s Law and its implications.
• Identifying practical issues and cultural sensitivities to effectively support victims.
• Increasing knowledge on the “no recourse to public funds” policy.
• Understanding relevant legislation.
• Insight into victimless prosecutions.
• Providing information and support to victims.

Trainer: Narinder Sidhu

With over 30 years of experience policing diverse communities with Thames Valley Police, Narinder Sidhu has a demonstrated history of operational policing and considerable knowledge of the criminal justice system. Her extensive career includes serving as a specialist domestic abuse officer within the Public Protection Unit, where she investigated cases of murder, attempted murder, rape, and sexual assaults.

Narinder was instrumental in pioneering the Force’s response to harmful practices, particularly gender-based violence and hidden crimes. In 2021, she was recognised nationally and locally as an inspirational officer who carved the path, raising cultural awareness and influencing force policies and procedures specifically around crimes affecting the most vulnerable. For her outstanding contributions, she was awarded the Inspirational Women’s Award.

Currently, Narinder is a freelance trainer and consultant with a growing portfolio. She serves as a Specialist Lecturer with the London Policing College, a National Trainer with SafeLives, delivering specialist domestic abuse courses to police forces, and a consultant and trainer with several other national safeguarding organisations.

Narinder has been delivering the BSc (Hons) Professional Policing degree to first-year students at the University of West London (UWL). She has played a crucial role in designing and delivering aspects of the course, enabling her to share her extensive knowledge of operational and specialist policing roles.