We provide DASH training as part of our RtR DA Champions training - which is free to those in Oxfordshire. For more information on signing up to this please visit our DA Champions page. If you have further questions, please email: contact@reducingtherisk.org.uk

Excellent guidance on understanding the family courts and what is available to you can be found here.

FAQs Archive - Page 2 of 2 - Reducing the Risk

Q: What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO)?

If the police have been called out because of a domestic related incident and you have decided you don't want to proceed with a criminal complaint, the police, in certain circumstances, may issue a domestic violence protection notice. The police will make an application on your behalf to the court. You don't need to be there, it will done on your behalf, but the police will let you know that it's happening. This is an order to the perpetrator of the abuse to stay away for up to 28 days. Our IDVA will phone you after the DVPO has been granted to ensure you are aware and to check if you want any support.

Q: Who can access court support?

We support clients at all levels of risk of domestic abuse seeking support through the court process but you you need to have had a recent incident that demonstrates to the court that you require protection from someone who: you have been in a relationship with you are in a relationship with or a family member. You need to be committed to the process - the IDVA will explain what will happen so you understand the process before you start. Circumstances when we may not be able to support you with a civil order: Extending an existing Non-Molestation Order If you are eligible for legal aid

Q: How can we support you with applying for civil orders?

We can support you in applying for a DIY civil protective order via the Family Courts in Oxfordshire A civil court order prevents someone from contacting you or coming near you and can be held to account by the courts if they do break the requirements set out in the order. This is called a breach and is a Criminal offence. There are other types of orders available via the courts that can be applied for through a DIY application such as Contact Arrangement Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders. The IDVA will discuss your particular circumstances, namely: If you are eligible for legal aid we will refer you to a solicitor. You need to have had a recent incident that demonstrates to the court that you require protection from someone you have been, are in a relationship or a family member You need to be committed to the process - the IDVA will explain what will happen so you understand the process before you start Each order takes a number of days to complete so to ensure that it's the best option for you, with the likelihood of successfully having it granted, the IDVA will talk through the process with you. We may feel that this isn't the best option for you - and would always advise you to speak with a solicitor. Because of the amount of time that it takes we will always give you a little time to reflect on if you want to proceed with it. We are not solicitors and cannot give legal advice but can guide you through the options available to you

Q: What can I expect after I am referred?

A phone call from a specialist trained Court IDVA to talk to you about your experience and your support needs. Due to the demand on the service this may take up to two weeks, so please get in touch as soon as possible so we can give you the support you need in a timely manner. Confidential and non-judgemental support where you are listened to and believed, and where your feelings and experiences are discussed and heard so that the Court IDVA can provide the best possible personal service to you.

Q: What does the criminal court service provide?

The court process can be very intimidating with a language and processes that most people can't understand. Our service will: Guide you through the process and explain the Criminal Justice System to give you an understanding at every stage of the proceedings Explain the processes involved and help you understand the legal terminology Provide information around issues such as bail conditions and charging decisions Explain what particular domestic abuse related special measures you are entitled to and apply for them on your behalf Link you in with other specialist court services such as the Police Witness Care Unit Any other elements as per your specific situation will be discussed and agreed

Q: What do Court IDVAs do?

The Court-based IDVA service supports any victim-survivors of domestic abuse living in Oxfordshire who are going through the Criminal Justice System - Magistrates, Civil/Family, or Crown Court They can - where appropriate - work with the victim-survivor to apply for civil orders such as Non-Molestation/Occupation Orders (NMOs/OOs) to protect themselves and their families. This service is currently only open to those living and attending court in Oxfordshire.

Q: What are the police here for?

Once the police are in attendance of an incident, they have a duty to: Public protection and safeguarding Measure the risk posed to people involved Sign-post people to the local specialist services or relevant national helplines Investigating and prosecuting any criminal activity which they uncover Recording the details of every incident Dealing with suspected crime and intervening to investigate Issuing injunctions and protective measures if they feel someone is at risk of serious harm

Q: How can I manage my emotions?

When the police have attended, this can signal the end to a traumatic event. Because they may have brought some order to what was a chaotic event, you may just feel you need them to now forget it all so that your life can carry on. You may even feel that their visit was a traumatic experience in itself. You may be experiencing a real mixture of emotions about why they were there and wonder what they have done or intend to do. You may worry about how this will impact you, your family, your job and even your life. These are all reasonable reactions, and they are not unusual. Remember that the primary purpose for police attendance is to maintain the safety of everyone involved.

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