IDDA (Independent Domestic Abuse Advocate)
Clackmannanshire now have an independent domestic abuse advocate (IDAA) service, for women and children experiencing medium to high risk of harm from a current partner or ex-partner.
This is a new post funded by the Scottish lottery for a two-year period for women who have
experienced physical, coercive control, emotional, mental, sexual or financial abuse currently or in
the last 6 months.
The IDAA is separate and independent from Women’s Aid and specialises in immediate risk
reduction, increased safety for the women and children if she has any.
As an IDAA we step in quickly to arrange to meet the woman, assess the risk and offer suitable
support to reflect this. In order to do this, we carry out an Initial Assessment and Risk Identification
Checklist. The case can be referred to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).
At the MARAC all the key agencies meet to discuss victims at high risk of domestic abuse. Prior to the
MARAC meeting, the IDAA meets with the woman and together they agree information to be shared
at the MARAC. The IDAA acts as an independent voice for the woman to explain her current situation,
her needs and wishes and also what current safety planning the IDAA has in place.
The agencies that attend this are The IDAA, Women’s Aid, Domestic Abuse Unit, Police Scotland,
Housing, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Adult support and protection, Change-Grow-Live, Education,
NHS and any other relevant agency that can help.
At the MARAC the Domestic Abuse Unit distributes relevant actions to provide increased safety,
support and wellbeing to the woman.
The IDAA then feeds back to the woman any additional safety measures that have been
recommended at the MARAC and continues the support until the risk is dramatically reduced.
We also provide an advocacy service and can offer a number of safety solutions to reflect on
risks identified.
The IDAA worker can also make referrals on the woman's behalf to the Children’s Outreach Service. Please see Children's Outreach Service page for more information.
The IDAA service is completely voluntary and is also confidential. A woman can self-refer or can be
referred by any agency.
This is a new post funded by the Scottish lottery for a two-year period for women who have
experienced physical, coercive control, emotional, mental, sexual or financial abuse currently or in
the last 6 months.
The IDAA is separate and independent from Women’s Aid and specialises in immediate risk
reduction, increased safety for the women and children if she has any.
As an IDAA we step in quickly to arrange to meet the woman, assess the risk and offer suitable
support to reflect this. In order to do this, we carry out an Initial Assessment and Risk Identification
Checklist. The case can be referred to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC).
At the MARAC all the key agencies meet to discuss victims at high risk of domestic abuse. Prior to the
MARAC meeting, the IDAA meets with the woman and together they agree information to be shared
at the MARAC. The IDAA acts as an independent voice for the woman to explain her current situation,
her needs and wishes and also what current safety planning the IDAA has in place.
The agencies that attend this are The IDAA, Women’s Aid, Domestic Abuse Unit, Police Scotland,
Housing, Social Work, Criminal Justice, Adult support and protection, Change-Grow-Live, Education,
NHS and any other relevant agency that can help.
At the MARAC the Domestic Abuse Unit distributes relevant actions to provide increased safety,
support and wellbeing to the woman.
The IDAA then feeds back to the woman any additional safety measures that have been
recommended at the MARAC and continues the support until the risk is dramatically reduced.
We also provide an advocacy service and can offer a number of safety solutions to reflect on
risks identified.
The IDAA worker can also make referrals on the woman's behalf to the Children’s Outreach Service. Please see Children's Outreach Service page for more information.
The IDAA service is completely voluntary and is also confidential. A woman can self-refer or can be
referred by any agency.