Hackney Council is addressing a disparity in referrals to its Domestic Abuse Intervention Service (DAIS), with a higher proportion of Black and Global Majority residents being referred compared to the borough's census population. The issue was discussed at a Living in Hackney Scrutiny Commission meeting on Tuesday 23 September 2025, as part of a review of the Eliminating Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy 2022-25.
The disproportionality in representation of Black and Global Majority people referred to DAIS compared to the Hackney census population in 2024/25 is shown in the following table:
| Ethnicity (as per terms used in 2021 Census) | Hackney in 2021 Census | DAIS Referrals in 2024/25 | Self-referrals to DAIS in 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | 53% | 40% | 37% |
| Black | 21% | 33% | 43% |
| Asian | 10% | 13% | 11% |
| Mixed | 7% | 7% | 7% |
| Other | 9% | 7% | 2% |
According to a report from DAIS, while White residents make up 53% of Hackney's population, they account for only 40% of DAIS referrals. In contrast, Black residents comprise 21% of the population but represent 33% of referrals. Asian residents account for 10% of the population and 13% of referrals, while those of Mixed ethnicity are proportionally represented at 7%.
The report also indicates that Black residents are more likely to self-refer to DAIS, accounting for 43% of self-referrals compared to 33% of overall referrals. This suggests the service is perceived as accessible and supportive within the Black community.
The council recognises that systemic racism, class, and trauma disproportionately affect Black and Global Majority residents, which may contribute to higher levels of abuse and subsequent referrals. DAIS has been working to address these disparities through several initiatives, including:
- Commissioning Imece to deliver a specialist IDVA service by and for Black women of African and Caribbean heritage.
- Developing the Hackney Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment, which includes prompts to help practitioners explore considerations of Anti Racist Practice, Intergenerational Abuse, Extra-Familial Harm and Exploitation, Disability and LGBTQ+ Status. In 2023 / 2024 DAIS created, launched and further developed the Hackney Domestic Abuse Risk Assessment - the UK's only risk assessment that contains prompts to help practitioners explore considerations of Anti Racist Practice, Intergenerational Abuse, Extra-Familial Harm and Exploitation, Disability and LGBTQ+ Status.
The Eliminating Violence Against Women & Girls Strategy 2022-2025 has four priorities:
- Preventing and reducing VAWG
- Supporting all victims and survivors
- Holding perpetrators to account
- Building trust and confidence
Implementation of the VAWG Strategy is led and coordinated by the council's Domestic Abuse Intervention Service. The Strategy is overseen by the VAWG Strategic Board which reports to Hackney's Community Safety Partnership.
DAIS has conducted over 20 events with service users, young people, faith groups, 3rd sector agencies and statutory partners as part of gaining insights on what is working well and what needs to improve regarding the Hackney partnership's response to VAWG.
The Hackney partnership is a signatory to the End Racism In The VAWG Sector Charter and notes in particular the tenet *We commit to fair and equal partnerships, with Black and minoritised women's organisations, which includes valuing and paying for their expertise...we need 'by and for' Black and minoritised women's organisations*
. The VAWG Strategic Board ensures that the voices and needs of Black and minoritised women's organizations are being heard and addressed in the implementation of the VAWG strategy by adhering to this charter. In 2023 DAIS began commissioning Imece to deliver a specialist IDVA service delivered by and for Black women of African and Caribbean heritage.
