We use strategies that reduce PARENTAL CONFLICT and achieve the best outcomes for children and families

The Department for Education (DfE) figures published for March 2018 show 51.1% of assessments by local authorities include domestic violence. Our experience of working with children and families would suggest a much higher figure. We attribute this to cases where the symptoms of psychological and emotional abuse have been missed. To identify victims and reduce parental conflict, professionals need to have specialist knowledge and skills to identify and safeguard the children living in these households.

While some high profile cases have raised awareness of Coercive Control, there is still a lack of expertise, knowledge, and skills dealing with this area of domestic abuse.

A YouGov poll from 12 August 2019, found more than 50% of front-line healthcare staff say they do not feel able to identify a domestic abuse victim. At least 48% of NHS and 65% of private-sector staff did not feel adequately trained to identify a domestic abuse victim. There are no similar surveys with other agencies involved in “Working Together to Safeguard Children.”

Front line workers in Children’s Services are overwhelmed with the high volume of referrals involving Domestic Violence, Mental Health, and Parental Conflict. The lack of appropriate training and resources to tackle this issue is resulting in poor staff retention, low staff morale and dangerously high caseloads placing children at risk.

This issue is replicated across many disciplines and regardless of government initiatives to tackle domestic violence,  radical changes are still required. Despite professionals using the same methods and resources for many years, things have still managed to reach crisis point. News articles and serious case reviews frequently include domestic violence but there is a lack of investment in training staff to identify the signs of specific types of abuse.  We have created unique resources to support front line workers to recognise and respond to many different types of domestic violence as this is a complex issue and one size does not fit all.

To find out how we can help please explore “What we do” and have a look at our Case studies and testimonials (Case Studies & Testimonials).