There is a growing recognition that children are direct victims of domestic abuse, and require support and protection in their own right. However, professional interventions designed to protect children may unintentionally further victimise non-abusing parents, most often mothers. In response, a number of new interagency, whole family approaches have been developed. These models aim to equip practitioners with the knowledge and skills to engage with families in ways that are sensitive to the dynamics of domestic abuse, recognising the importance of keeping children safe. These models aim to enable whole-family working that recognises the specific needs of adult and child victims, whilst also holding accountable individuals who engage in controlling, abusive and violent behaviour. We looked at how one such approach, Safe & Together, has been introduced and implemented in local authorities in England and Scotland.

Safe & Together: What can we learn about seeking to introduce whole family approaches to address domestic abuse?