The multi-agency response to children who are victims of domestic abuse
A report has been published after inspections were carried out across six local authority areas in the UK that looked into the response from multiple agencies to children who are at risk of, or victims of, domestic abuse. Evidence was obtained from children’s social care, health services, policing, probation, youth justice and education.
The introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 expressly recognises children as victims of domestic abuse where they hear, see or experience the effects of abuse. However, the report raises concerns that in some areas of the country, professionals remain overly focused on adult victims, with not enough attention being paid to children’s experiences, risks and needs.
In particular the report highlights weaknesses in understanding and responding to coercive and controlling behaviour and inconsistent levels of training across frontlines services, including the Police and social workers. These gaps in professional knowledge can result in missed opportunities for early intervention and protection.
A concern was also raised about information sharing between different agencies, and therefore demonstrating a lack of “joined-up thinking” which prevented professionals from forming a full picture of risk and therefore enable them to take coordinated safeguarding action.
For children and family law practitioners, the report reinforces the importance of ensuring that children are treated as victims in their own right within safeguarding processes, public law court proceedings and multi-agency assessments. It demonstrates the need for trauma-informed, child-centred practice and robust challenge where children’s experiences risk being overshadowed by adult-focused interventions.
If you have social services involved with your family, give us a call on 01924 927187 and we can provide you with advice.
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