Sacred Heart takes part in Operation Encompass

What is Operation Encompass?

Operation Encompass is the implementation of key partnership working between Cleveland Police, Local Authorities and nominated ‘Key Adults’ in schools.

How does Operation Encompass help our students and their families?

The Operation Encompass officer will inform the ‘Key Adults’, prior to the commencement of the school day, of the following information:

• The fact that the police were called out in the last 24 hours, during school term week days (or if the incident was over the weekend, the school will be informed on the Monday) to a domestic abuse incident and a child was present, witnessed or was involved in it

• The police reference number

• The time and date of the incident

• Brief circumstances surrounding the event

• The name and date of birth of any child from that school who was present, witnessed or was involved in the incident when it took place, and

• Any other relevant safeguarding information that may assist the school to provide early intervention support to the child being referred.

What is Domestic Abuse?

There are different kinds of abuse, but it’s always about having power and control over you.

Signs of domestic violence and abuse

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you might be in an abusive relationship. See the Further Support Section for how you might seek help. 

Emotional abuse

Does your partner ever:

  • belittle you, or put you down?
  • blame you for the abuse or arguments?
  • deny that abuse is happening, or play it down?
  • isolate you from your family and friends?
  • stop you going to college or work?
  • make unreasonable demands for your attention?
  • accuse you of flirting or having affairs?
  • tell you what to wear, who to see, where to go, and what to think?
  • control your money, or not give you enough to buy food or other essential things?

Threats and intimidation

Does your partner ever:

  • threaten to hurt or kill you?
  • destroy things that belong to you?
  • stand over you, invade your personal space?
  • threaten to kill themselves or the children?
  • read your emails, texts or letters?
  • harass or follow you?

Physical abuse

The person abusing you may hurt you in a number of ways.

Does your partner ever:

  • slap, hit or punch you?
  • push or shove you?
  • bite or kick you?
  • burn you?
  • choke you or hold you down?
  • throw things?

Sexual abuse

Sexual abuse can happen to anyone, whether they’re male or female.

Does your partner ever:

  • touch you in a way you don’t want to be touched?
  • make unwanted sexual demands?
  • hurt you during sex?
  • pressure you to have unsafe sex – for example, not using a condom?
  • pressure you to have sex?
  • If your partner has sex with you when you don’t want to, this is rape.

 

Have you ever felt afraid of your partner?

Have you ever changed your behaviour because you’re afraid of what your partner might do?

If you think you may be in an abusive relationship, there are lots of people who can help you.

Further information:

  • Cleveland Police Domestic Violence support  Click Here

  • The survivors handbook by Women’s Aid – provides practical support and information for women experiencing domestic abuse, with simple guidance on every aspect of seeking support Click Here

  • Men who are victims of domestic abuse can use the following email address ([email protected]) which can refer men to local places that can help, such as health services and voluntary organisations.

  • For forced marriage and “honour” crimes, contact Karma Nirvana (0800 5999 247) or The Forced Marriage Unit (020 7008 0151).

  • Anyone who needs confidential help with their own abusive behaviour can contact Respect on their free helpline on 0808 802 4040.