Dr. Asha Patel
Clinical Psychologist and CEO, Innovating Minds
As a clinical psychologist and CEO of Innovating Minds, I commend the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report for illuminating the critical challenges faced by victim-survivors and children within the criminal justice system. The findings underscore the imperative for systemic reform to ensure that survivors and children receive the protection, support, and justice they rightfully deserve.
At Innovating Minds, we have consistently championed a trauma-informed approach to supporting adults and children affected by domestic abuse. The report’s emphasis on multi-agency collaboration and the necessity for comprehensive training aligns seamlessly with our mission to foster environments where individuals feel safe, understood, and empowered. It is encouraging to see the call for baseline reviews of local multi-agency responses, reflecting our commitment to a holistic, public health approach.
Nevertheless, the report also highlights the chronic underfunding of specialist services, which poses a significant barrier to effective support. Sustainable investment in these services is crucial to ensure that survivors have access to the resources they need to rebuild their lives.
Platforms such as My Support Pathway, an AI solution designed to provide victims of domestic abuse with 24/7 tailored support in a safe and secure manner, help them identify and access a range of specialist services locally and nationally.
By streamlining the process, My Support Pathway ensures timely and appropriate support, which is essential for the recovery and empowerment of victims and survivors of domestic abuse.
Furthermore, the call for independent workforce training to address poor behaviours among responders is vital. Training must be rooted in empathy and an understanding of trauma, ensuring that responders can provide the compassionate and effective support that survivors require.
The success of initiatives such as the Healing Together programmes demonstrate the positive impact of well-delivered training and the implementation of the evidence-based programmes. We must continue to build on these successes and ensure that all responders are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to support families effectively.
We agree that it is essential to hold perpetrators accountable and manage the risks them effectively. A comprehensive family approach to supporting the safe parent and the children is crucial while the perpetrator participates in therapeutic interventions, particularly since many perpetrators reside within the community and may have access to their children. At Sefton Council, the Healing Together programme is delivered in conjunction with the safe parent and the children while the perpetrator engages in the Caring Dads programme. The victim oversight work remains a central focus, ensuring that risks are managed safely.
In conclusion, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report provides a clear pathway for transformation. It is incumbent upon all of us—practitioners, policymakers, and communities—to collaborate in implementing these recommendations and creating a criminal justice system that truly supports and protects survivors of domestic abuse.
Get in touch if you would like to learn more about Innovating Minds’ commitment to support mental health and well-being for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.