Domestic Abuse Policy Statement

---

Unmasked NN believes that all forms of domestic abuse are wrong and must stop.

We are committed to promoting and supporting environments which:

• Ensure that all people feel welcomed, respected, and safe from abuse.
• Protect those vulnerable to domestic abuse from actual or potential harm.
• Recognise equality amongst people and within relationships.
• Enable and encourage concerns to be raised and responded to appropriately using a person-centred approach.

We recognise, in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, that:

• All forms of domestic abuse cause damage to the survivor and express an imbalance of power in the relationship.
• All survivors (regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation, or identity) have the right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse.
• Domestic abuse can occur in all communities and may be a single incident but is often a systematic, repeated pattern that escalates in severity and frequency.
• Individuals can be victims of multiple and different abusive behaviours, and personal and situational characteristics may create additional barriers to access and support.
• Domestic abuse, if witnessed or overheard by a child, constitutes a form of child abuse.
• Working in partnership with children, adults, and other agencies is essential in promoting the welfare of those experiencing abuse.

Unmasked NN understands the risks and consequences of domestic abuse and will fully support people, both those who use our services and our staff and volunteers, by taking appropriate action to support those affected.

Unmasked NN will respond to domestic abuse by:

Raising Awareness:

• Ensuring all staff understand domestic abuse, can identify it, and recognise its impact through robust risk assessments.
• Providing role-relevant training for staff and managers on domestic abuse and its impact.
• Using our internal expertise to engage in national discussions and influence systemic change to address domestic abuse.

Best Practice and Service Delivery:

• Including domestic abuse in all operational policies and ensuring best practices are shared across the organisation.
• Safeguarding victims and survivors of domestic abuse through effective service delivery and multiagency working.
• Ensuring clear policies and procedures are in place for assessing and signposting support for individuals affected by domestic abuse.
• Keeping up to date with case law and relevant policy changes through active engagement with DA Boards and national organisations.

Setting Clear Policies and Guidance:

• Embedding domestic abuse considerations across all organisational strategies, policies, and procedures.
• Ensuring staff code of conduct and professional boundaries policies clearly outline behavioural expectations for working in DA services.
• Providing clear guidance for staff on reporting and responding to domestic abuse disclosures.

For more information, please contact info@unmaskednn.org.