Improving safety, reducing harm : children, young people and domestic violence

Domestic violence can have a devastating impact on children and young people, affecting their health, well being and development, as well as their educational achievement.

The Department of Health has undertaken significant work to promote awareness, understanding and develop evidence based practice on domestic violence for health professionals, recognising the key role that health services play in providing opportunities for victims to disclose in a safe and confidential environment.

This toolkit provides specific information about children, domestic violence and related issues; an overview of Every Child Matters and the tiers of intervention; principles of commissioning services; risk assessment and safety planning information; guidance for schools; clear explanations of key standards and policies; sample forms; and key fact sheets.

Key content: Children & domestic violence; Tiers of intervention and need within a commissioning framework; Domestic violence, child protection and risk assessments; Domestic violence, bullying and schools; and Adolescent domestic violence.