Domestic Violence has a major impact upon the health, well-being and education of children and young people. A total of 14,116 Domestic Abuse incidents were reported to Cambridgeshire Police during 2019 and 2020. It is estimated that children are present in up to 80% of incidents. Children experiencing domestic abuse are negatively impacted by this exposure; domestic abuse has been identified as an Adverse Childhood Experience and can lead to emotional, physical and psychological harm. Operation Encompass aims to mitigate this harm by enabling immediate support, making a child's day better and giving them a better tomorrow.

Operation Encompass believes that children are victims of domestic abuse in their own right and should be acknowledged as such.

Operation Encompass

Should you experience domestic abuse and the police are notified, Operation Encompass will come into place. The aim for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is to notify schools of any domestic abuse/violence incidents reported to the police involving children on their roll by 9am the following working/school day or as soon as possible thereafter. It is a multi-agency operation between Cambridgeshire Constabulary, Cambridgeshire County Council, Peterborough City Council and the schools and colleges in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. The police will share details of all domestic abuse incidents (crime/non-crime, and Standard, Medium and High risk) where a child is present with the Local Authority’s Education Safeguarding Team. This information will then be shared via secure email with the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) or Domestic Abuse Lead (DA Lead). The school will then decide on the most appropriate support for that child during what could potentially be a difficult day for them. Anything shared with the school will not be new information to you and you will be informed of what we will be told.
 
If you are experiencing domestic violence or require further information and support, the following links below should provide you with the local support services who can advise you further.
     
 Domestic Violence Services:
 
For Baby’s Sake: Programme for expectant parents with a history of domestic abuse who want to create the best possible start in life for their baby. Eligible until child reaches 2 years of age. Cambridge City, South and East Cambridgeshire: 01223 715622. Email: forbabyssake@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Calling police call 999. If it’s not safe to speak use the Silent Solution system, call 999 then press 55 when prompted. Or if can’t use voice phone text REGISTER to 999. Cambridge Women’s Aid (City/South/East) 01223 361214 www.cambridgewa.org.uk

Refuge (Fenland/Hunts/Peterborough) 07787 255821 www.refuge.org.uk

Cambridge Rape Crisis 01223 245888

Peterborough Rape Crisis 01733 852578

The Elms Sexual Assault Referral Centre 0800 193 5434

Rights of Women Legal Advice Line
Free confidential legal advice on family law, divorce and relationship breakdown, children and contact issues, domestic violence, sexual violence, discrimination and lesbian parenting. A number of fact sheets are available free to download.
www.rightsofwomen.org.uk
Legal Advice Line: 020 7251 6577
National Domestic Violence Helpline 24 hour freephone
www.womensaid.org.uk
0808 2000 247

For male victims of domestic violence, contact:
M.A.L.E: Men's Advice Line & Enquiries
Confidential helpline for male victims of domestic violence whether in straight, gay, bi sexual or transgender relationship
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
Tel: 0808 801 0327
 

If you have any concerns about safeguarding, please contact Miss Archibald as Domestic Abuse Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead or if she is not available, please do seek out one of the Safeguarding team – Mrs Julie Kane or Ms Jo Grylls.