Domestic Abuse Policy and Statement of Commitment

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Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC

Policy Reference: UNN-SG-002
Version: 2.0
Reviewed: 9 October 2026
Approval Status: For Director Approval
Next Review: 12 months following approval

1. Statement of Commitment

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC believes that all forms of domestic abuse are unacceptable and that everyone has the right to live free from abuse, fear, coercion and control.

We are committed to creating environments where people feel welcomed, respected, listened to and safe to raise concerns.

As a neurodivergent-led, lived-experience-informed organisation, we recognise that domestic abuse can affect anyone and that some individuals face additional barriers to recognising abuse, seeking support or being believed.

Our approach is person-centred, trauma-informed, neurodiversity-affirming and guided by safeguarding responsibilities.

We recognise that survivors are experts in their own experiences and that support should respect their dignity, choices and autonomy wherever it is safe and lawful to do so.

2. Purpose

This policy sets out Unmasked's approach to:

• Recognising domestic abuse and its impact.
• Responding safely to disclosures.
• Supporting people accessing our services.
• Supporting staff, counsellors, students and volunteers affected by domestic abuse.
• Identifying and escalating safeguarding concerns.
• Maintaining appropriate confidentiality and records.
• Working with specialist services and other agencies where necessary.

Unmasked provides counselling and community support. 

We are not a specialist domestic abuse crisis service, refuge or emergency response provider.

Where specialist assessment, protection or intervention is required, we will seek appropriate advice, referral or safeguarding escalation.

3. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Directors.
• Qualified counsellors.
• Student counsellors.
• Volunteers and employees.
• Group facilitators.
• Contractors working on behalf of Unmasked.
• People accessing Unmasked services.

It applies to face-to-face, online, telephone and community-based activities.

4. Understanding Domestic Abuse

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides a statutory definition of domestic abuse involving people aged 16 or over who are personally connected.

Abusive behaviour may include:

• Physical or sexual abuse.
• Violent or threatening behaviour.
• Controlling or coercive behaviour.
• Economic abuse.
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

Domestic abuse can occur within current or former intimate relationships and between family members.

It can involve a single incident or a pattern of behaviour.

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence.

Examples may include:

• Threats, intimidation and humiliation.
• Isolation from friends, family or support networks.
• Monitoring phones, messages, finances or movements.
• Restricting access to money, transport or essential resources.
• Sexual coercion or unwanted sexual activity.
• Threats involving children, pets or loved ones.
• Misusing someone's disability, diagnosis or support needs to control them.
• Preventing access to medication, healthcare or necessary assistance.
• Using technology to monitor, threaten or harass someone.

We recognise that abuse can continue or escalate after a relationship ends.

5. Equality, Diversity and Neurodiversity

Domestic abuse can affect people of all backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, ages, ethnicities, religions and abilities.

Unmasked recognises that neurodivergent and disabled survivors may face additional barriers.

These may include:

• Difficulty recognising coercive or manipulative behaviour.
• Previous experiences of being dismissed or misunderstood.
• Reliance on another person for communication, finances, transport or daily living support.
• Sensory or communication barriers when accessing services.
• Fear that disclosures will not be believed.
• Threats involving diagnoses, medication or support needs.
• Difficulties navigating complex safeguarding or legal systems.

We will not assume that neurodivergence makes someone incapable of making decisions or understanding their relationships.

We will listen to each person's experience, consider individual communication needs and offer reasonable adjustments where appropriate.

6. Recognising Possible Indicators

Domestic abuse may be disclosed directly or may emerge gradually through counselling or other support.

Possible indicators include:

• Fear of a partner, former partner or family member.
• Repeated threats, humiliation or intimidation.
• Unexplained injuries or frequent explanations for injuries.
• Isolation from friends or family.
• Restricted access to finances, communication or transport.
• A partner or family member controlling attendance at appointments.
• Anxiety about someone discovering contact with support services.
• Concerns about surveillance or monitoring.
• Expressions of feeling trapped, unsafe or unable to leave.

These indicators do not prove domestic abuse. 

Staff and volunteers must avoid assumptions and respond sensitively.

7. Responding to a Disclosure

When someone discloses domestic abuse, Unmasked personnel should:

1. Listen calmly and without judgement. Allow the individual to explain their experience at their own pace.
2. Validate the disclosure. Acknowledge that the person has taken an important step in sharing their concerns.
3. Avoid blame or pressure. Do not question why someone has remained in or returned to a relationship.
4. Consider immediate safety. Establish whether there is an immediate threat to the person or anyone else.
5. Explain confidentiality and its limits. Be clear about circumstances in which information may need to be shared.
6. Explore appropriate support. Discuss specialist services, safety planning or safeguarding involvement where relevant.
7. Record concerns appropriately. Use Unmasked's approved confidential recording systems.
8. Seek safeguarding guidance. Consult a safeguarding lead where necessary, without delaying emergency action.

Personnel should not investigate allegations, confront an alleged perpetrator or attempt to provide specialist domestic abuse intervention beyond their competence.

8. Immediate Risk and Emergency Action

Where there is an immediate threat to life or serious harm, emergency services should be contacted on 999.

Examples may include:

• Current or imminent violence.
• Serious threats to kill or cause harm.
• A person being held against their will.
• Immediate danger to a child or adult at risk.
• Other circumstances indicating an urgent threat to safety.

Emergency action must not be delayed while waiting for supervision or a safeguarding lead.

Where safe and appropriate, the person should be informed about actions being taken.

Any emergency response must be documented in accordance with Unmasked's safeguarding procedures.

9. Safeguarding Adults and Children

Unmasked recognises that domestic abuse may raise safeguarding concerns involving adults and children.

Where an adult meets the safeguarding criteria under the Care Act 2014, relevant adult safeguarding procedures may apply.

We also recognise that, under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a child who sees, hears or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related to the person experiencing or perpetrating it is recognised as a victim of domestic abuse in their own right.

Concerns involving children must be addressed through appropriate child safeguarding arrangements, even where Unmasked is not directly providing counselling to children.

Decisions about referrals and information sharing will be guided by the circumstances, applicable law and Unmasked's safeguarding procedures.

10. Confidentiality and Information Sharing

Unmasked respects the confidentiality of people accessing its services.

We recognise that inappropriate disclosure of information can increase the danger faced by someone experiencing domestic abuse.

Information should be shared only where there is a lawful and appropriate basis.

This may include circumstances involving:

• Immediate danger or serious harm.
• Safeguarding concerns relating to a child.
• Safeguarding concerns relating to an adult at risk.
• Other relevant legal obligations or lawful grounds for disclosure.

Where appropriate and safe, we will seek the individual's consent and explain what information may be shared and why.

Consent is not the only lawful basis for sharing information, and it must not be treated as an absolute requirement where disclosure is necessary and lawful to protect someone.

We will avoid sharing unnecessary personal information.

11. Safe Communication

Domestic abuse may involve monitoring of phones, emails, online accounts and other communication.

Before contacting someone about a disclosure or referral, personnel should consider:

• Whether the communication method is safe.
• Whether another person may have access to messages.
• Whether leaving a voicemail could increase risk.
• Whether written information about domestic abuse could be discovered.
• Whether the person has expressed a preferred safe contact method.

Where possible, safe communication preferences should be agreed and recorded appropriately.

We will not assume that email, telephone or online communication is automatically safe.

12. Safety Planning and Specialist Support

Unmasked recognises the importance of individualised safety planning.

Counsellors may support clients to explore emotional wellbeing, choices and available support within their professional competence.

Where specialist domestic abuse safety planning or risk assessment is required, appropriate specialist services should be involved.

We will not pressure individuals to leave relationships or take particular actions.

We recognise that leaving an abusive relationship can increase risk and that decisions must be approached carefully.

Any safety planning undertaken within Unmasked must be consistent with the individual's needs, the practitioner's competence and relevant safeguarding procedures.

13. Student and Qualified Counsellors

Domestic abuse may be disclosed during counselling with either student or qualified practitioners.

All counsellors must work within their competence and follow Unmasked's safeguarding procedures.

Where a disclosure indicates increased complexity or risk, the counsellor should consider:

• Immediate safety.
• Their competence to continue working with the client.
• The need for safeguarding consultation.
• Relevant supervision arrangements.
• Whether specialist support or referral is required.
• Whether the client remains suitable for the allocated service.

Student counsellors must follow placement requirements and seek appropriate guidance when concerns arise.

Clinical supervision must not delay urgent safeguarding action.

Decisions about continued allocation should be proportionate and based on individual risk and suitability, not simply the presence of a domestic abuse history.

14. Supporting Staff and Volunteers

Unmasked recognises that domestic abuse can affect directors, counsellors, volunteers and employees as well as people accessing services.

Anyone experiencing domestic abuse should be treated with dignity, compassion and confidentiality.

Where appropriate, Unmasked will consider:

• Safe communication arrangements.
• Reasonable adjustments to working or volunteering arrangements.
• Time to access relevant support.
• Appropriate signposting.
• Measures to reduce identifiable workplace risks.

Where someone working on behalf of Unmasked is alleged to be perpetrating domestic abuse, any concerns relevant to safeguarding, professional conduct or organisational safety will be considered fairly and in accordance with applicable procedures.

15. Training and Awareness

Unmasked will encourage role-relevant awareness of domestic abuse, including:

• Recognising different forms of abuse.
• Responding sensitively to disclosures.
• Understanding safeguarding responsibilities.
• Recognising coercive control.
• Considering neurodivergent and disabled survivors' experiences.
• Understanding confidentiality and safe information sharing.
• Knowing when specialist referral or emergency escalation is required.

Training requirements will reflect individual roles, responsibilities and available organisational resources.

We will not assume that general counselling qualifications automatically provide specialist domestic abuse competence.

16. Recording and Reporting

Concerns and disclosures must be recorded accurately, objectively and confidentially.

Records should distinguish between:

• What the individual has reported.
• What the practitioner has observed.
• Any immediate safety concerns.
• Advice sought.
• Decisions made and the reasons for them.
• Referrals or actions taken.
• Any agreed follow-up.

Records must be maintained using approved Unmasked systems, including Carepatron where applicable.

Information must be handled in accordance with Unmasked's Privacy Policy, confidentiality arrangements and safeguarding procedures.

17. Safeguarding Leads and Responsibilities

Unmasked's safeguarding leads are:

Toni Denton – Director
Sarah McKimm – Director

Contact: info@unmaskednn.org

The safeguarding leads are responsible for supporting appropriate responses to concerns, advising on safeguarding procedures and ensuring relevant actions are documented.

All counsellors, volunteers and staff share responsibility for recognising concerns and acting within their role.

Where a concern involves a safeguarding lead or director, it should not be managed solely by the person implicated. 

Appropriate independent safeguarding advice or external reporting should be sought.

18. External Support and Signposting

Unmasked will seek to maintain awareness of relevant local and national domestic abuse support services.

Examples include:

Emergency Services
999 where there is immediate danger.

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (England)
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk

Respect Phoneline
0808 802 4040
www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Support for people concerned about their own abusive behaviour.

Leeds Domestic Violence Service
www.ldvs.uk

Service details and referral arrangements should be checked before signposting.

Where specialist support is required, Unmasked will aim to assist individuals in identifying an appropriate service while respecting confidentiality, consent and safety.

19. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

Unmasked will review its response to domestic abuse concerns through appropriate organisational processes.

This may include:

• Reviewing safeguarding incidents and learning.
• Considering training needs.
• Reviewing referral and signposting arrangements.
• Updating guidance when legislation or professional standards change.
• Reflecting on accessibility barriers.
• Reviewing relevant feedback and concerns.

Any learning will be incorporated into policy and practice where appropriate.

20. Related Policies and Procedures

This policy should be read alongside:

• Safeguarding Adults Policy.
• Suicide Risk Management Guidance.
• Safeguarding and Risk Concern Recording Procedures.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
• Equal Opportunities and Accessibility Policy.
• Privacy and Data Protection Policies.
• Confidentiality Procedures.
• Complaints Procedure.
• Counsellor Agreements and Placement Requirements.

21. Review and Approval

This policy will be reviewed annually or sooner where legislation, safeguarding guidance or organisational circumstances require changes.

Prepared for approval by:
Toni Denton – Director
Sarah McKimm – Director

Review Date: 9 October 2026
Approval Date: To be confirmed
Next Review: 12 months following approval

Unmasked Neurodiversity Network CIC
Prospect Park, Seacroft, Leeds, LS14 1NG
Email: info@unmaskednn.org
Website: www.unmaskednn.co.uk
Company Number: 15671121

Everyone deserves relationships and environments free from abuse, coercion and fear. Unmasked is committed to listening, responding safely and supporting people to access appropri