Childhood Experiences of Domestic Violence

Annotation Children's Experiences of Domestic Violence focuses on first-hand accounts from children and young people regarding their experiences of both domestic violence and support services. It is the first book to examine the user's experience of service provision for the victims of domestic violence and it seeks to encourage a more effective and professional approach in the services that serve to support and protect children. The book is based on a unique, three-year research project into child support and protection services that began in 1996. The book examines such topics as; the types of violence experienced by mothers and witnessed by children; the types of abuse children are subjected to; children's understanding of domestic violence; children's and mother's views of how best to protect children and their perception of the support services; and the barriers for children and mothers seeking help. The book assesses the role and response of the social services, police, voluntary organizations and the agencies, of health, education, and housing. It describes approaches to existing problems, emphasizing a child-focused response and concludes by recommending improvements for policy and practice.