The introduction of the new Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour Based Violence (DASH 2009) Risk Identification, Assessment and Management Model means that for the first time all police services and a large number of partner agencies across the UK will be using a common checklist for identifying and assessing risk, which will save lives. ACPO Council accredited the DASH (2009) Model to be implemented across all police services in the UK from March 2009.
Laura also initiated the Multi-agency Domestic Homicide Reviews (DHRs) in 2001. They were legislated for in 2004 in section 9 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004. Guidance was published on April 13th 2011. Laura offers training for all agencies about how to conduct a DHR, the history and background and good practice.
WHY WAS THE DASH DEVELOPED?
Conclusions from many domestic homicides and serious case reviews showed:
- lack of understanding and training regarding risk identification, assessment and management
- insufficient risk identification, assessment and management
- insufficient information sharing
- failure to manage the intelligence
- failure to make the links across public protection and serial offending.
WHO DEVELOPED THE DASH?
- The DASH (2009) Model has been developed by Laura Richards, BSc, MSc, FRSA on behalf of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and in partnership with Coordinated Action Against Domestic Abuse (CAADA).
WHO CAN USE THE DASH RISK MODEL?
- The DASH is for all professionals working with victims of domestic abuse, stalking and harassment and honour based violence.
- In England and Wales, the police service will use the ACPO DASH and partner agencies the CAADA DASH.
- There is also a risk checklist for victims of domestic abuse, stalking and honour based violence. This is called the Victim-DASH (V-DASH 2010).
- There are also further questions on stalking called the Stalking-DASH (S-DASH, 2009) Risk Identification Checklist. This again has been adapted for victims to use, Victim Stalking-DASH. (VS-DASH 2009).
TRAINING
- Training is crucial to understanding the DASH Risk Model. Without effective training, the same mistakes will continue to be made and questions will be asked about the DASH (2009) implementation process and what training professionals received.
- It could make agencies especially vulnerable if the tool has been implemented without accredited training or support for staff.
- Laura also runs training on Multi-agency Domestic Homicide Reviews.
HOW CAN I BE TRAINED IN THE USE OF THE DASH?
- DASH Masterclass and 'Train the Trainer' sessions for professionals are currently scheduled for 2012, Masterclass February 9th and the 'Train the Trainer' February 23rd at a central London location. If you are interested in attending you can contact laura@laurarichards.co.uk