Community Domestic Abuse Support Service

This Service Specification sets out the requirements for the delivery of the COMPASS Community Domestic Abuse Support Service across the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport. The Provider will provide a flexible, trauma-informed and person-centred offer comprising both safe accommodation-based support and community-based domestic abuse support for individuals experiencing domestic abuse, regardless of risk level, age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, immigration status or socioeconomic background.

The service will support: • Victim-survivors of all genders. • Victim-survivors with or without children. • Individuals who are currently living with, or are separated from, the person causing harm. • Children and young people impacted by domestic abuse. • Children and young people displaying harmful behaviours. • Adults who cause harm through the provision of evidence-based and accredited behaviour change interventions. An effective domestic abuse response recognises that domestic abuse is a gendered crime that disproportionately affects women and girls.

However, it also acknowledges that victims and survivors of all genders, ages, sexualities, cultures, faiths, abilities and backgrounds can experience domestic abuse and require appropriate support. The service must recognise that domestic abuse rarely exists in isolation and is frequently experienced alongside multiple disadvantages, including poor mental health, substance misuse, homelessness, poverty, social exclusion and exploitation.

The Provider will recognise and respond to all forms of domestic abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional and psychological abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, economic abuse, stalking, harassment, technology-facilitated abuse, honour-based abuse, forced marriage and post-separation abuse. Risk assessment, safety planning and support interventions should reflect the full range of experiences and risks faced by victim-survivors and their children. Further information can be found on https://www.the-chest.org.uk