Beyond risk: the next stage modernisation of domestic abuse responses

Across the domestic abuse system there is a call for modernisation.

The last wave of modernisation brought in the current organising principle around risk. We’ve seen the benefits of the risk-based model, but also become stuck through its limitations.

This short paper starts RIVA’s conversation about what modernisation can and should look like. The conversation about the future begins by learning from the system’s recent past: what were the original objectives of the risk-based model, what has it achieved for the system, and where does it fall short?

Based on conversations with leading practitioners, RIVA’s Dr Becky Rogerson draws on her own insights as 25 years’ as a CEO of women’s services in the North East to explore three core components of the risk-based system: the DASH risk assessment, multi-agency risk assessment conferences (MARACs), and commissioning practice.

This is a first step in RIVA’s work to open up a whole-system modernisation of responses to violence against women and girls. We welcome responses and engagement from practitioners and leaders across public and voluntary services. Please get in touch.

Read the paper here.