Support for staff

Domestic abuse is a traumatic crime that can impact survivors, their families and communities, for generations. Professionals working on domestic abuse cases can also feel affected by this: you might feel stressed, concerned about the levels of risk, or upset by the details of abuse that you’ve heard. It is essential that you are supported when doing this work and details of the sources of support can be found below.

Support for staff impacted by domestic abuse

One in three women and one in six men will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime. The scale of this means that many staff members will have current or previous experiences of domestic abuse. Camden is committed to supporting any staff member experiencing domestic abuse and has a robust offer of support available, this includes: 10 days paid domestic abuse leave, interest free loans and support with flexible working. You can find more information on this here.

Case support

1. Camden Safety Net (CSN)

CSN can provide case consultation support and guidance to other professionals, even if they aren’t working with the survivor. You can speak with CSN by contacting the duty team on: 020 7974 2526, or [email protected]

2. DVA Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT)

The Domestic abuse MDT meets every Thursday 10 -12am to consider DVA cases for existing tenants and their household members. It is a supportive space for officer’s to receive advice, guidance and to reflect on additional help that might be needed. Contact Hannah Slydel to discuss a potential referral.  Further information here.

3. VAWG Thinking Together Drop-in

The VAWG drop-in takes place every Tuesday from 9 -11am on the 6th floor, 5 Pancras Square. The drop-in is run by Camden Safety Net, the DVA Navigator service, DAHA Coordinator, and Perpetrator space. It is a friendly space to discuss cases, seek guidance and off-load.

You can attend in person or get in touch via Teams. Message Hannah Slydel or Jade Tate for more information.

4. Domestic abuse, housing and homelessness toolkit

The toolkit has been created with housing staff and provides an overview of the different housing routes, financial support and practical offers available to DVA survivors. It also includes guidance on working with survivors with no-recourse to public funds and on working with perpetrators of abuse.  

5. Perpetrator programmes

Camden has two perpetrator programmes and a perpetrator project lead. The two programmes are Drive – which is for high-risk perpetrators – and Safe and Together, which is for standard-medium risk perpetrators who are working with Children’s Social Care. Safe and together, is supported by an accommodation offer.

There is more information here.

To discuss a referral to Drive contact: [email protected]

To discuss a referral to Safe and Together contact: [email protected]

6. PICT team

The Psychologically Informed Care Team (PICT) can offer reflective spaces and clinical case discussions. These can be helpful tools to make sure that you are appropriately supported, have space to reflect on the impact of the work, and can consider the cases from different angles.

You can find out more about the support they can provide here or speak with your line manager or contact: [email protected],

[email protected]

[email protected]

or [email protected]

7. Employee Assistance Programme

Camden has an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which provides access to confidential counselling, information and fact sheets to support you with a range of issues, from personal, work and financial welfare.