Police & Agency Referrals
Supporting victims must always remain the priority in any domestic abuse response. However, professionals will sometimes encounter cases where the accused individual firmly denies the allegation.
These situations can be complex. In many cases, the victim’s needs are clear and there are well-established pathways for support. But when the alleged perpetrator disputes the accusation, police officers and safeguarding professionals can find themselves managing risk, fairness, and procedure simultaneously.
DADSS provides a structured, professional referral pathway that allows agencies to maintain their victim-centred commitment, while ensuring the accused individual has access to appropriate, independent support.
When an Accused Person Denies the Allegation
Allegations of domestic abuse carry serious and long-lasting consequences. Where an individual denies the accusation:
They should be encouraged to seek independent legal advice
Risk assessments must still be completed
Safeguarding measures must remain in place where required
Agencies must continue to prioritise victim safety
From an operational perspective, this can create additional pressure. The majority of domestic abuse reports originate from victims seeking protection and support. Officers and practitioners are rightly trained to respond with belief and safeguarding at the forefront. However, when an accused person states they have not committed the alleged behaviour, agencies still need a structured and defensible way to manage the situation.
They should be encouraged to seek independent legal advice
Risk assessments must still be completed
Safeguarding measures must remain in place where required
Agencies must continue to prioritise victim safety
From an operational perspective, this can create additional pressure. The majority of domestic abuse reports originate from victims seeking protection and support. Officers and practitioners are rightly trained to respond with belief and safeguarding at the forefront. However, when an accused person states they have not committed the alleged behaviour, agencies still need a structured and defensible way to manage the situation.
How DADSS Supports Police & Agencies
DADSS offers a referral route for individuals who:DADSS offers a referral route for individuals who:
- Deny allegations of domestic abuse
- Require independent guidance and structured engagement
- May benefit from assessment and professional review
- Need clear information about legal, behavioural, and safeguarding processes
- Maintain focus on victim safety
- Avoid inappropriate mediation or informal resolution
- Keep professional boundaries clear
- Demonstrate fairness and procedural integrity
- Reduce escalation through unmanaged disputes
Why Make a Referral?
Referring an accused individual to DADSS:
Keeps agencies at appropriate professional distance
Ensures the individual receives independent advice and structured support
Reduces unmanaged contact or counter-allegation escalation
Provides documented engagement where appropriate
Strengthens defensible decision-making processes
This approach enables agencies to uphold their commitment to victims while ensuring that those who identify as being falsely accused are directed toward appropriate channels of support.
Keeps agencies at appropriate professional distance
Ensures the individual receives independent advice and structured support
Reduces unmanaged contact or counter-allegation escalation
Provides documented engagement where appropriate
Strengthens defensible decision-making processes
This approach enables agencies to uphold their commitment to victims while ensuring that those who identify as being falsely accused are directed toward appropriate channels of support.
Referral Pathway
Submit a referral form
The individual will be contacted directly by DADSS
Engagement and assessment will be undertaken independently
Acknowledgement of referral is provided within one working day
The individual will be contacted directly by DADSS
Engagement and assessment will be undertaken independently
Acknowledgement of referral is provided within one working day
Professional Standards
Victim safety remains central
No mediation between parties
Clear boundaries and accountability
Independent and structured engagement
Information sharing in line with safeguarding protocols
No mediation between parties
Clear boundaries and accountability
Independent and structured engagement
Information sharing in line with safeguarding protocols
Police and Agency referral form
Please complete the details below and we will contact your referral as quickly as possible
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