Jargon buster

Safeguarding: Protecting vulnerable adults or children from abuse or neglect. It is about protecting you and your family from harm – keeping you safe and well.

MARAC: Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference. This is where all those involved in the care of a high risk victim of domestic abuse meet to share information and put plans in place to help ensure the safety of the victim – this could include the police, doctors, health visitors, support groups and housing providers. You cannot attend this meeting but your IDVA will be your voice at the meeting.

Disclose: This simply means to tell someone what is happening

IDVA: Independent Domestic Violence Adviser: work with high risk victims of DA. They will be your main point of contact and their primary concern is to make sure you, and your children are safe. They will also be your representative on MARAC – which is the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conference (see above)

Perpetrator: This is the person carrying out the abuse

Coercive Control: This includes an act or a pattern of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

Safety Plan: Your IDVA or other support organisation can help you create a plan to help protect you, and any children

Advocacy: Taking action to help people say what they want, secure their rights, represent their interests and obtain services they need.

Agency: An independent organisation that provides care and support services, such as care in your own home. It is not part of your local council. The council may arrange for care and support to be provided for you by a local agency, or you can arrange this yourself.