We have provided answers below to some of the questions we are most often asked by practitioners working with families where domestic violence is a concern.
Practitioners working in domestic violence organisations:
- FAQs on getting advice and support early
- FAQs on why and how Children’s Services may become involved with a family because of domestic violence
- FAQs on child in need
- FAQs on child protection processes
- FAQs on help available and how to ask for support
- FAQs on foster care and family options if a mother cannot continue to care for her child
- FAQs on legal processes
- FAQs on court orders
- FAQs on a mother’s rights when working with Children’s Services
Social workers working with children and families:
- FAQs on working with a mother about how domestic violence affects her child
- FAQs on practical support, planning visits and communicating with mothers
- FAQs on involving extended families
- FAQs on working with mothers and fathers about domestic violence
- FAQs on protecting children and responding appropriately to their mothers
- FAQs on working with mothers who remain with or separate from their abusive partner
Download our leaflet which has been designed as a series of ‘top tips’ for social workers working with children and families affected by domestic abuse:
Note on the language we have used: We refer to survivors of domestic violence as "the mother" or "she". We refer to the abuser or perpetrator as "the father" or "he". We have chosen to use this language because it reflects the situation in the majority of cases. However, we recognise that men can also be survivors of domestic violence and that domestic violence can occur in same sex couples.
The information we have provided generally applies to England and Wales. However, there are some differences in the law between England and Wales. If you live in Wales you could get local advice from a solicitor or Citizen's Advice Bureau.
Thank you to Trust for London for funding Family Rights Group to develop these advice resources. 