Is the Domestic Abuse Screening Tool Failing Us?

Recent revelations have sparked a significant debate on the effectiveness of the DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking, Harassment and Honour-Based Violence) questionnaire, the primary tool used to assess domestic abuse victims' risk levels in the UK. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips has openly acknowledged that the tool "doesn't work" as intended, leading to calls for urgent reform in how risk assessments are conducted. This article delves into the key concerns surrounding the DASH questionnaire, explores the implications for victims, and examines potential alternatives that may enhance victim support.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Jess Phillips admits the DASH questionnaire is ineffective at identifying high-risk domestic abuse victims.
• Only 20% of DASH assessments classify victims as high risk, despite significant domestic homicide rates.
• Concerns have been raised regarding the tool's applicability across diverse demographics.
• The Home Office is reviewing the entire domestic abuse support system, including existing risk assessment tools.
• Alternative assessment tools, such as DARA, are being considered to improve risk evaluation.

The DASH Questionnaire: Overview and Functionality

The DASH questionnaire comprises 27 questions aimed at determining the immediate risk of harm to victims of domestic abuse. Victims respond with "yes," "no," or "don't know" to questions about their experiences, such as whether the current incident resulted in injury or if the abuse is escalating. The final score dictates subsequent actions, with those classified as "high risk" receiving urgent and specialised support.

Implemented in 2009, the DASH tool has been a pivotal element in the risk assessment process for police, social services, and healthcare professionals across the UK. However, its effectiveness is now under scrutiny following a series of domestic homicides attributed to inadequate risk evaluations.

Concerns Over Effectiveness and Accuracy

Despite its long-standing use, recent analyses reveal alarming deficiencies in the DASH questionnaire's ability to accurately identify high-risk victims. A troubling statistic shows that only 20% of DASH assessments for victims involved in domestic homicide cases classified them as high risk. This stark figure raises critical questions about the reliability of a tool intended to protect the most vulnerable members of society.

Jess Phillips has acknowledged the "obvious problems" with the DASH questionnaire, asserting that the system requires a comprehensive review to enhance its functionality. She emphasises that while the tool can serve a purpose, it must be supported by practitioners who understand that risk assessment is a dynamic process. Phillips indicated that the grading system alone cannot guarantee safety, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to victim support that extends beyond initial assessments.

Statistical Insights into Domestic Homicides

According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 108 domestic homicides in England and Wales in the year leading up to March 2024. The staggering number of victims underscores the urgency for reform in domestic abuse risk assessments. With the DASH tool failing to accurately predict risk in numerous cases, families of victims are now exploring legal actions against institutions that they believe neglected their duty to protect the vulnerable.

Academic Perspectives on DASH's Limitations

Numerous academic studies have scrutinised the DASH questionnaire's performance over the years. A study conducted by the London School of Economics in 2020 revealed that in nearly 90% of cases involving repeat violence, victims had previously been categorised as standard or medium risk. Furthermore, research from Manchester and Seville Universities found that a staggering 96% of victims retrospectively deemed "high risk" had initially been classified as lower risk by DASH.

Dr Heather Strang, director of the Jerry Lee Centre for Experimental Criminology at the University of Cambridge, emphasises the growing consensus that DASH is inadequate as a predictive tool. She argues that it was never designed for such a purpose, yet has become the primary risk assessment method employed by police forces.

The Need for Change and Alternatives

The concerns surrounding DASH have prompted calls for the development of more effective alternatives. Tori Olphin, a former police officer and data scientist, has proposed a new assessment tool that utilises a broader range of police data to enhance risk evaluations. Olphin argues that the current system disproportionately impacts vulnerable individuals who may face life-threatening situations due to ineffective assessment methods.

In response to the growing criticisms, the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) has introduced the DARA questionnaire, designed to provide more consistent risk assessments. Despite this initiative, a significant number of police forces continue to rely on the outdated DASH tool, indicating a need for urgent action to transition to more effective methodologies.

Impact on Diverse Demographics

Feedback from charities and organisations that support domestic abuse victims highlights concerns that DASH fails to address the unique needs of various demographic groups. Djanomi Robinson, operations manager at Sistah Space, emphasises that cultural nuances are frequently overlooked in DASH assessments. This oversight can result in inadequate risk evaluations for women of black African and Caribbean heritage, who may face heightened vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, Ellen Miller, chief executive of SafeLives, acknowledges that while DASH was originally designed for its simplicity and accessibility, it must evolve to incorporate current knowledge and best practices in risk assessment. She points out that the tool's shortcomings are often exacerbated by improper utilisation rather than inherent flaws within the tool itself.

Government Review and Future Directions

The Home Office is currently conducting a comprehensive review of the entire domestic abuse support system, including risk assessment tools like DASH and DARA. This review aims to ensure that all agencies involved in domestic abuse cases are equipped with effective and reliable methods to protect victims. The outcomes of this review are expected to be published in the autumn, and many stakeholders are hopeful for significant reforms that will enhance victim safety and support.

As the discussion around domestic abuse risk assessments continues, it remains critical for all involved parties—government officials, law enforcement, and support organisations—to collaborate and develop solutions that prioritise the well-being of vulnerable individuals. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as the lives of victims depend on accurate assessments and timely interventions.

Conclusion

The ongoing dialogue regarding the effectiveness of the DASH questionnaire underscores a pressing need for reform in how domestic abuse risk assessments are conducted in the UK. With high-profile admissions from government officials and mounting evidence highlighting the tool's inadequacies, it is clear that immediate action is necessary to safeguard vulnerable individuals. As we await the results of the Home Office review, the focus must remain on developing more reliable, nuanced, and culturally competent assessment tools that prioritise the safety of victims above all else.

What innovative solutions could be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of domestic abuse assessments? #DomesticAbuse #VictimSupport #RiskAssessment

FAQs

What is the DASH questionnaire?

The DASH questionnaire is a risk assessment tool used to evaluate domestic abuse victims' safety. It consists of 27 questions answered by victims to determine their risk level and appropriate support needed.

Why is the DASH questionnaire being criticised?

Critics argue that DASH fails to accurately identify high-risk victims, with studies indicating only 20% of assessments correctly classify victims as high risk, leading to inadequate support.

What are the consequences of incorrect risk assessments?

Inaccurate risk assessments can leave victims vulnerable to further harm or violence, as demonstrated by rising domestic homicide rates, which highlight the need for more effective tools.

What alternatives to DASH are being proposed?

Alternative assessment tools, such as DARA, are being introduced to provide more consistent and accurate risk evaluations, with a broader range of data considered in the assessment process.

How is the government addressing concerns about domestic abuse assessments?

The Home Office is conducting a review of domestic abuse support systems, including risk assessments, to develop more effective methodologies aimed at protecting vulnerable victims.