Quick start guidance for Dash risk checklist

The purpose of the Dash risk checklist is to give a consistent and simple tool for practitioners who work with adult victims of domestic abuse in order to help them identify those who are at high risk of harm and whose cases should be referred to a Marac meeting in order to manage their risk. If you are concerned about risk to a child or children, you should make a referral to ensure that a full assessment of their safety and welfare is made.

These notes are to help you understand the significance of the questions on the Dash risk checklist. Domestic abuse can take many forms but it is usually perpetrated by men towards women in an intimate relationship such as boyfriend/girlfriend, husband/wife. This checklist can also be used for lesbian, gay, and bisexual relationships and for situations of ‘honour’-based violence or family violence

The checklist should be introduced to the victim within the framework of your agency’s:

• confidentiality policy
• information sharing policy and protocols
• marac referral policies and protocols