In the conference room at Markston Police Station, Kate stared blankly at Lucy as she told the team about her plans for the refuge for which she had just received the seal of approval from the Ministry of Justice. She was finding it hard to concentrate on work at the moment. If this was someone else, she would be telling them to deal with the situation, but she didn’t want to appear weak and she didn’t want her colleagues to question her judgement on the job. So she buried it. But it was crawling to the surface and she was torn.
‘Ideally, I’d like referrals from yourselves, for both men and women, and these can be discussed at the Domestic Abuse Forums. Sharon Bairden has agreed to do some group and one-to-one sessions. Claire Knight has also agreed to work with those who have children known to Social Care. It’s all coming together – though there is still a lot to be done.’ Lucy’s pride was obvious.
‘Well, we work with the perpetrators, so how would the DAHU fit into your plans?’ PC Kat Everett rubbed her chin.
‘I’d like to ensure a strong relationship with you guys for risk purposes. Everyone who has been referred and is either staying on the premises or attending the voluntary assistance groups will be informed that the haven will be working closely with the police and other agencies. They’ll be asked to sign their consent so that if any of my staff learns of a situation that may put themselves, us, members of the public or children at risk, we’ll be sharing that information with the police.’ Lucy looked around the room.
Kate rubbed her neck. Everything Lucy was telling them sounded promising, but something niggled at her. ‘I thought Probation didn’t need consent to share that information. If risk is involved, that’s surely a given? And wouldn’t that lead to the residents hiding things for fear of reprisal?’
‘I’m glad you brought that up. Remember, this is not a Probation hostel. It’s mainly self-funded with accreditation by the Ministry of Justice. I do have to adhere to certain guidelines set out or I wouldn’t be allowed to work directly with you or other agencies. The haven will also receive some government and charity funding, so I have to be able to meet targets that are set – I won’t bore you with them all, but most agencies have to jump through hoops these days. My own experience has been that even though people may initially be reluctant, my staff and myself will be working to build up trust with the residents. So, we have to be upfront with them. If they choose not to sign, or if they break the rules, they’ll have to leave. Though saying that, the door will always be open. I wouldn’t want them to feel they were stuck for help – it just might be they were not ready at that time.’ Lucy’s brows creased and Kate saw a flash of pain on her face, but it went as quickly as it came.
‘Well, I’m sure I speak for everyone here when I say you have our support and we’ll be more than happy to work with you.’ PC Mark Fielding smiled.
‘Thanks, Mark. But let’s be honest, there will be frustrations on both sides as you’ll want information from me that I can’t share and vice versa. I’d like to work with Kate on finalizing the referral form, if possible. I’m not ready to be fully up and running just yet; there are some maintenance and security issues being ironed out. But I do have news I’d like to share with you all.’ Kate smiled as Lucy seemed to take delight in holding them all in suspense. ‘Do you remember Vicki Wilkinson?’
Vicki had been attacked and left for dead by one of the domestic abusers who the DAHU had previously monitored. The offender had been murdered before he could be convicted of the crime, but Kate recalled the details as if it was only yesterday. It had been her first experience of using her profiling skills to work a murder case. Last she heard, Vicki had been undertaking various therapies to re-learn basic skills after suffering some brain damage.
‘I don’t think any of us will forget Vicki. Why?’ Kate hoped Lucy had some good news.
‘She’ll be volunteering once a week at the haven when she is ready and able. Vicki is still in therapy but has done remarkably well considering what she’s been through. She’ll be one of the Drug and Alcohol mentors and running a workshop with anyone who comes to the haven with past or present substance misuse issues.’
‘Fucking hell. That’s just brilliant!’ Kat blurted out what most of the team were thinking.
A sense of relief came over Kate; she had enough bad news to occupy her mind. Lucy wrapped up the session and agreed with Kate a date to work on the referral form. Something else to keep her focused.