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Department of Health publishes new guidance on children and domestic violence

The Department of Health has published a new toolkit, Improving Safety, Reducing Harm, aimed at advising frontline practitioners on how to help children who have been subject to domestic abuse.

Health minister Ann Keen said: “This comprehensive toolkit for frontline professionals was developed to improve responses to a range of key issues affecting children and young people including domestic violence, bullying, sexual violence and gangs as well as child protection and risk assessments. Protecting children and young people from the effects of domestic violence is vital if we are to improve safety and reduce harm.

“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.”

The toolkit details specific information about children and domestic violence including an overview of ‘Every Child Matters’, the government’s report on child protection following the death of Victoria Climbié and the tiers of intervention.

It also sets out the principles of commissioning services, risk assessment and safety planning information, guidance for schools and explanations of key standards and policies.