Domestic abuse charity SafeLives has published a guide to provide insight and support those working on cases complicated by the perpetrator claiming to be the victim.
Responding to Counter allegations; A review of practice explores the different ways counter allegations can be presented and describes how professionals in all agencies involved can work together to confidently identify perpetrators and support victims.
Managing such cases can be very challenging, according to SafeLives’ practice consultant, Lucy Giles. “Professionals may be required to unpick a variety of issues. This includes where perpetrators present as a victim, where a victim has used defensive or retaliatory violence, and where the perpetrator’s coercive and controlling behaviour has influenced victims’ behaviour,” she said.
