Refuge responds to calls for Dash risk assessment tool review or replacement

In response to calls for a review or replacement of the Dash risk assessment tool, Denise Brown, Director of Service Delivery at Refuge, said:

“Refuge supports a government-led review of the Dash risk assessment tool and would welcome the opportunity to contribute our expertise and insight.

“Dash has long been the recognised tool used to assess risk in domestic abuse cases. While we use it routinely across our services, we have always recognised both its strengths and limitations. It remains an important part of a thorough risk assessment process and helps inform the safety planning advice and actions that follow. However, it is not perfect and must be regularly reviewed and improved to reflect the evolving tactics used by perpetrators.

“A review would be an important opportunity to strengthen how risk is understood and managed across both the public and voluntary sectors. We are open to the development or adoption of a new, evidence-based tool – if it is proven to be more effective and is adopted consistently across services.

“However, risk assessment tools – while essential and requiring the highest possible standards – can never safeguard survivors on their own. Their effectiveness depends on ensuring perpetrators are held to account, and on those tools being embedded within a wider, well-resourced system, led by trained professionals with a deep understanding of the dynamics of abuse.

“Risk is dynamic – and influenced by the perpetrator’s actions. A single assessment offers only a snapshot. Risk management must be an ongoing, responsive process.

“Crucially, there is no such thing as a ‘low-risk’ domestic abuse case. All survivors deserve access to support, regardless of their assessed risk level. Sustained investment in frontline services is urgently needed to make this a reality.”