Staying Put offer more than a helpline for people subjected to domestic abuse. Here, we look at the role of a DA Car Worker and how they support those most at risk from serious harm.

What is the DA car?

DA Car stands for Domestic Abuse Car. It is a partnership between Staying Put and West Yorkshire Police where a trained Domestic Abuse Practitioner from Staying Put and a police officer attend domestic abuse incidents. We have two cars, one which operates during the week and one at a weekend.

“We support people who have reported domestic abuse and have been graded as high risk,” explains Anne, a DA Car IDVA. “We visit them in their own homes, at a police station or any other place of their choice.”

The DA Car Worker also responds to high-risk incidents in live time. This is when a response police officer/s are still at the scene of a domestic incident, or just about to leave. The DA Car Worker can immediately respond to do the follow up visit. This service provides timely safeguarding and out of hours support to people subjected to domestic abuse and who are at high risk of further abuse.

“It is often very helpful for clients to have a face-to-face service in order for them to engage and receive our support, at a time when they may be feeling overwhelmed and even traumatised.”

It’s also worth noting that the DA Car Worker will always use interpreter services, so that you can speak to them in your first language. This way, we can be sure that you feel comfortable and that you understand what is happening and can make the best choices for you.

How do DA Car Worker support people?

The DA Car Worker provide immediate and practical safeguarding support such as panic alarms and door lock changes as well as emotional support and access to Staying Put’s services, if they wish. The DA Car Domestic Abuse Practitioner offers person centred support which means that they will offer you support, but it’s up to you whether you wish to accept this.

What does their work entail?

DA Car Worker will visit you and offer advice on a case-by-case basis. They will triage into Staying Put and assess your support needs. They may also signpost you to other appropriate external services and organisations.

If you have decided to report the abuse to the police, the DA Car Worker will also provide updates and advice from the criminal justice system, whether or not you choose to support a prosecution.

What is an average day for a DA Car Worker?

A DA Car Worker works from a police station or offices in Bradford. The weekday DA Car IDVA will look at MARAC and DRAM referrals, whilst the weekend DA Car IDVA looks at all the referrals that the Police Domestic Abuse Unit have sent out by email. Both would then consider who to contact to offer a visit, based on current risk factors/protective factors and suspect status.

The DA Car Worker visits you with a police officer to explain what sort of support they can offer you and attend to any immediate safeguarding issues and discuss any concerns. You can ask to speak to the IDVA in confidence, they will arrive in an unmarked car and the police officer will be in plain clothes. The police officer does not have to stay in the room.

You may wish to make an application for a civil order or want support from Staying Put. The DA Car Worker would complete an assessment and triage, as well as providing you with Staying Put’s contact details until you are allocated a worker. If you are in temporary accommodation, having fled your home, the DA Car Worker may provide you with a small, one off financial payment for people with limited or no recourse to public funds.

Any other comments?

If you need support or further information on how we can help, please call 0808 2800 999.

We help everyone who needs it, so please feel reassured that you can call us, and you will be supported.

Our helpline is open from Monday to Friday, 9.30am – 4.30pm. We close for half an hour at 1pm every day for lunch.

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