Policy and procedures

Domestic abuse workplace policies and support

This page brings together Hampshire’s key domestic abuse policies, procedures and professional guidance in one easy-to-access place. It is designed to support practitioners across all sectors (e.g. health, education, social care, criminal justice, housing and the voluntary community sector) in delivering safe, consistent and effective responses to domestic abuse.

Here you will find the core documents that guide our shared approach across the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership, including strategic policies, operational procedures, referral pathways, safeguarding guidance and practical tools. These resources are regularly reviewed and updated to reflect new legislation, emerging best practice and developments in local services.

The aim is to ensure that every professional has access to the information they need to work confidently, collaboratively and in line with Hampshire’s agreed standards.

HDAP documents

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Strategy
• Domestic Abuse Trauma Informed Language Guide
• HDAP Learning and Development Guidance
• HDAP Communications Plan 2026/7
• Supporting Domestic Abuse Victims/Survivors Subject to Immigration Control: A toolkit for Hampshire

Coming soon:

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Panel’s Survivor Standards

Partner organisation documents

• Safeguarding Children Partnership: Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Portsmouth and Southampton (HIPS) safeguarding children procedures manual
• Safeguarding Children as Victims of Domestic Abuse
• Safeguarding Adults Board: 4LSAB Multi-Agency Policy, Process and Guidance
• CAFCASS: Domestic Abuse Practice Policy

Workplace policies

Domestic abuse will affect many people working for all types of organisations and businesses and is likely to impact the workplace. It can affect the morale, health, wellbeing and self-confidence of an employee, which in turn can affect their performance at work.

When employers demonstrate that they are aware of domestic abuse and make staff aware of the services that are available, this can help to reduce the wall of silence about domestic abuse that prevents many from seeking help.

HDAP encourages all partners and local businesses to consider and implement their own workplace policy and guidance to support their employees.

Workplace policy toolkits and guidance for implementation

• Business in the Community: a domestic abuse toolkit for employers
• Employers’ Initiative on Domestic Abuse (EIDA)
• Local Government Association (LGA) Model Employment Policy
• Safer Hampshire Business Partnership: Supporting employees affected by domestic abuse guide

Local resources

• Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (HDAP) Workplace Support Checklist
• Sample Domestic Abuse Workplace Pledge – Hampshire Constabulary

Hampshire County Council: Domestic Abuse Workplace Policy and Guidance

We provide resources for supporting Hampshire County Council employees, including managers through experiences of domestic abuse.  Hampshire County Council's HR intranet page  hosts a wealth of information, including policy and guidance documents, resources and useful contacts.

National legislation, guidance and best practice

This section outlines key national laws and guidance underpinning domestic abuse responses across Hampshire. These frameworks support consistent, lawful and evidence-based practice.

Key legislation

• Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  Provides the statutory definition of domestic abuse, establishes duties on local authorities and strengthens protections for victims/survivors.
• Coercive and Controlling Behaviour (Serious Crime Act 2015)
  Controlling or coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship is recognised as a criminal offence. This legislation recognises patterns of psychological, emotional and financial abuse – even where there is no physical violence – as serious criminal offences.
• Non-Fatal Strangulation and Suffocation (Domestic Abuse Act 2021 – Amendment, 2022 Implementation)
  The Act creates a standalone criminal offence for non-fatal strangulation or suffocation, recognising the significant harm and risk it poses. This offence applies whether there is visible injury or not, reflecting the seriousness and lethality risk associated with strangulation.
• Children Act 1989 and 2004
  Sets out responsibilities for safeguarding children, including those impacted by domestic abuse.
• Care Act 2014
  Establishes duties for safeguarding adults at risk and clarifies multi‑agency responsibilities.
• Serious Crime Act 2015
  Includes additional domestic abuse-related offences relevant to risk assessment and safeguarding.

National guidance

• Domestic Abuse Statutory Guidance (Home Office)
  Provides detailed guidance to help agencies identify and respond to domestic abuse.
• Working Together to Safeguard Children
  National multi‑agency framework for protecting children from harm, including domestic abuse.
• Adult Safeguarding: Roles and Responsibilities (DHSC)
  Guidance on multi‑agency responsibilities within adult safeguarding.

Best practice and professional resources

• SafeLives Professional Resources
  Includes risk assessment guidance, MARAC information and practice briefings.
• NICE Guidelines on Domestic Violence and Abuse
  Evidence-based recommendations for identification, support and safeguarding.
• College of Policing – Domestic Abuse Authorised Professional Practice (APP)
  National best practice guidance for policing responses to domestic abuse.
• Local Government Association: Adult safeguarding and domestic abuse: a guide to support practitioners and managers
• Standing Together’s Domestic Abuse Coordinated Community Response Approach: In Search of Excellence 2020
• Research in Practice for Adults: Coercive control tools and resources