Domestic Violence in families with children.

Guidance for primary health care professionals.

Judy Shakespeare, GP, Oxford and Research Associate National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit (NPEU), and Leslie Davidson, Leslie Davidson, former Director of National Perinatal Epidemiology Unit NPEU), Oxford, now Chairman of the Department of Population and Family Health, Columbia University, New York. Oxford. 17/11/02.

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Introduction
Definitions
Key Points
Domestic violence and child abuse often co-exist. If you find one of these, evaluate the family for the other.
Managing these situations is complex. It may help to share the decision making process with other members of your team, or the “named” doctor or nurse for child protection in your PC0.
Make a risk assessment for the child. Is the child at risk of significant harm from either parent?
Support for a non-abusive parent will usually help promote the welfare of the abused parent and her child(ren).
Document carefully, but keep records about domestic violence and child abuse safely and confidentially.
Recognise your responsibility to contribute to inter-agency processes, such as Child Protection Conferences.
Consider whether you can continue to care for the perpetrator of domestic violence and child abuse as well as the victims.
Staff. Since domestic violence is so prevalent it is possible that a member of every practice is experiencing (or perpetrating domestic violence). Practices need to consider the challenges this brings to an affected individual.
Other issues – training and high-risk groups
The policy framework for managing domestic violence and children’s issues
Working together to safeguard children 1999
Domestic Violence: A resource manual for health care professionals
References

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