Minister admits domestic abuse screening tool doesn't work
Summary
The UK's main tool for assessing domestic abuse risk, called the Dash questionnaire, is under scrutiny. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips acknowledged that it does not effectively identify those most at risk and that improvements are needed. The government plans to review the overall system for supporting domestic abuse victims.Key Facts
- The Dash questionnaire has been used since 2009 by police, social services, and healthcare workers in the UK to assess domestic abuse risk.
- The questionnaire consists of 27 questions to help determine the level of risk for victims.
- Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips admitted publicly that the tool has significant issues and is not reliably identifying high-risk victims.
- Multiple academic studies show Dash often fails to correctly classify high-risk victims, with many later found to be at greater risk than initially assessed.
- Families of victims not identified as "high risk" are considering legal action against institutions responsible for their protection.
- There were 108 domestic homicides in England and Wales in the year leading to March 2024.
- The Home Office is reviewing how all agencies manage domestic abuse cases, including risk assessment tools, to improve safety and support for victims.
- The review is part of a broader strategy to address violence against women and girls, expected in the autumn.
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