Multi-agency domestic violence information sharing protocol guidance (2007)

This guidance is for those seeking to develop a multi-agency information-sharing protocol. It aims to inform professional decision-making to share personal information with partnership agencies to protect victims and enable perpetrators to be held accountable for their behaviour.

Research and experience have repeatedly shown that providing survivors of domestic violence and their child(ren) with effective protection from harm, requires professionals to share information about:

a survivor who may need help
a non-abusing parent who may need help in caring for their children
anyone that may pose a risk of harm to others including child(ren) (for example perpetrators of domestic violence).
a child's health, development and exposure to possible harm. [1]

A multi-agency information sharing protocol highlights the roles and responsibilities of each partner agency and what information they will share and with whom they will share it with. Protocols should enable workers and agencies to share concerns about safety and to develop strategies to manage risk.

This guidance document is available to download below.

Multi-agency domestic violence information sharing protocal guidance (pdf, 403kb)

Frontline workers and service providers may benefit from reading our basic guide to domestic violence information sharing

[1]Adapted from Barnet Safe sharing of information - for Social Services. Rachel Smith (2006).

We produce monthly e-newsletters and regular bulletins to help you keep up to date with issues related to violence against women and girls.