From periphery to centre: Domestic violence in work with abused children

There has been much recent publicity about the links between child abuse and domestic violence, but what is being done in practice to identify these links?This report discusses the interconnected nature of child abuse and domestic violence. It does so through charting the changes in the practice of an NSPCC team where domestic violence was incorporated as an issue when working with children who had been abused. Through monitoring for domestic violence and reframing of cases domestic violence moved from the periphery to the centre of the team's work in child abuse prevention and child protection.The authors found that the focus on domestic violence allowed child abuse cases to be looked at in a wider context, leading to more realistic, holistic and sophisticated practice responses.As well as documenting the incorporation of domestic violence into the team's work and the resulting impact on professional practice, the report provides lessons for other statutory and voluntary agencies. It should be essential reading for all child protection and childcare professionals.