Meeting the needs of children living with domestic violence in London
NSPCC research
November 2011
A study to explore the types of support given to children, young people and their mothers living with domestic violence in London.
It looks at service provision and examines how professionals in a range of voluntary and statutory services respond to children and young people affected by domestic violence.
The project was a partnership between Refuge and the NSPCC and was funded by the City Bridge Trust.
Overview
The study was conducted between October 2008 and March 2011. It combined mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to capture basic data on the activities of all 33 London local authorities.
Key strategy and policy documents in each local authority were analysed and services across London were surveyed.
Targeted case studies were undertaken in selected local authorities and pan-London organisations which involved interviews with professionals, mothers and children.
Key findings
- There are significant gaps in services addressing the needs of children and young people living with domestic violence in London.
- Some of the most vulnerable children and young people are the least likely to be able to access help when they need it. There should be a stronger emphasis on equality of access to help for children and young people, regardless of their ethnicity, age, gender, disability or parental immigration status.
- Children are rarely given opportunities to express their own views. Some professionals are reluctant to talk directly with children and young people and to involve them in decisions which affect them.
Please cite as: Radford, Lorraine, Aitken, Ruth, Miller, Pam, Ellis, Jane, Roberts, Jill and Firkic, Ana (2011) Meeting the needs of children living with domestic violence in London. London: NSPCC/Refuge.
Further reading
Domestic violence resources Booklets for mothers and children, ChildLine information sheets and research reports.
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