Communication issues
It is important to understand that domestic violence happens to people from all communities regardless of race, age, sexuality and ability/disability. In order to communicate efficiently, it is necessary to take these differences into account:
- A person may need an interpreter, advocate or signer depending on individual needs. It is not appropriate to use partners/children/relatives on these occasions. It is also important to ensure that racial minority language interpreters have no knowledge of the person concerned through their wider community contacts.
- Staff should also be extra careful with people who have visual problems, are deaf, or use a wheelchair as they are often accompanied by a carer. Create an opportunity to interview the person on their own.
- On a more basic level, a person may only feel comfortable talking to someone of the same sex, so make sure that the option is always available.