Risk Assessment Checklists in Domestic Abuse
Our Ref: NY09694
Date: 20/06/2025
Freedom of Information request reference number: NY09694
I write in connection with your request for information that was received by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, Policing, Fire and Crime Team (PFC) 11th June 2025.
Question/ Request:
I am writing to request the following under the Freedom of Information Act, regarding the use of risk assessment checklists in domestic abuse and related services provided or comissioned by your organisation:
- Is it a standard provision or requirement in contracts with third-party providers of relevant services (e.g. domestic abuse services, victim support), for them to use the DASH risk assessment checklist as part of their service?
- Is it a standard provision or requirement in contracts with third-party providers of relevant services, for them to use the DARA risk assessment checklist?
Answer/ Response:
To locate the information relevant to your request searches were conducted within the PFC.
I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by the PFC.
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you.
1.
Is it a standard provision or requirement in contracts with third-party providers of relevant services (e.g. domestic abuse services, victim support), for them to use the DASH risk assessment checklist as part of their service?
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The Contract for DOMESTIC ABUSE SUPPORT SERVICES IN NORTH YORKSHIRE AND THE CITY OF YORK states that the provider may use a range of tools to assess risk and need, including the Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Harassment Risk Identification Checklist (DASH RIC) even if the referring agency has already completed an assessment, to inform next steps for victims.
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Where the DASH score meets the threshold for Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC), or where the risk of harm from the perpetrator is high, a referral is made.
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Risk assessment will include identification of safeguarding risk to a child, young person or vulnerable adult, and referrals to Social Care Services will be actioned in relation to the risk.
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Risk Assessment forms the basis of bespoke Safety & Support Plans for every victim and survivor to ensure that their individual needs are met either by the Services or by referring on to another appropriate service provider to best meet the identified need.
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DASH risk assessments are reviewed throughout support, and include questions on mental health and any suicidal ideation.
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The contract includes KPIs to ensure victims and survivors, and their dependent children, who Exit Services in a Planned way are assessed as reduced Risk (numerical score as per DASH RIC) on exit.
2.
Is it a standard provision or requirement in contracts with third-party providers of relevant services, for them to use the DARA risk assessment checklist?
* Please see link to College of Policing guidance on DARA Sept 2022 – Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment (DARA): Information for stakeholders<https://library.college.police.uk/docs/college-of-policing/Domestic-Abuse-Risk-Assessment-2022.pdf>
Extract: ‘The DARA has been identified by the College Professional Committee and the [National Police Chiefs Council] NPCC as the preferred risk tool for first responders to domestic abuse. The NPCC supports forces adopting the DARA for first responders to domestic abuse. The DARA has been designed and evaluated for use by first responders. Specialist police officers and staff conducting secondary risk assessment are expected to continue using the DASH. Similarly, as the DARA has been evaluated in a frontline policing setting, partner agencies are expected to continue to use the DASH’
Please note that systems used for recording information are not generic, nor are the procedures used locally in capturing the data. It should be noted therefore that the PFC’s response to your questions should not be used for comparison purposes with any other responses you may receive.