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A selection of books and other resources about domestic violence and children held by the NSPCC Library and Information Service (December 2005)
Tackling men's violence in families: Nordic issues and dilemmas.
Eriksson, Maria, Hester, Marianne, Keskinen, Suvi and Pringle, Keith
Bristol: Policy Press, 2005
ISBN: 1861346026
This book looks at the issue of violence by men to their female partners and/or children in Nordic countries. It considers the links between violence to women and violence to children, children's views and legal and policy approaches.
Tackling domestic violence: effective interventions and approaches (PDF)
Hester, Marianne and Westmarland, Nicole
London: Home Office. Research and Statistics Directorate, 2005
ISBN: 1844735567
A report on the findings from 27 domestic violence projects as part of the Violence Against Women Initiative (VAWI) which was launched in July 2000. The projects aimed to explore approaches and practices to support victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault. This report presents findings and recommendations for intervention and effective practice to tackle domestic violence.
Exciting discoveries on the health effects of family violence: where we are, where we need to go.
Kendall-Tackett, Kathleen A.
Journal of Interpersonal Violence 20(2), February 2005: 251-257
Discusses what is known about the short- and long-term effects of family violence, and particularly the health effects of abuse and trauma; what needs to be learned and the methods that can be used to learn.
Preschooler witnesses of marital violence: predictors and mediators of child behavior problems.
Lieberman, Alicia F., Van Horn, Patricia and Ozer, Emily J.
Development and Psychopathology 17(2), Spring 2005: 385-396
This article considers the effect of parental violence on pre-school children, looking at the predictors and mediators of behavioural problems. It finds that violence and maternal stress lead to behaviour problems, but these are mediated by maternal psychopathology and the quality of the mother-child relationship.
The mental health and service needs of young children exposed to domestic violence: supportive data.
Lundy, Marta and Grossman, Susan F.
Families in Society 86(1), Jan/Mar 2005: 17-29
A study documenting the service needs and problems of over 40,000 children in families where domestic violence has taken place. Data was collected between 1990 and 1995 from 50 domestic violence agencies in a Midwestern state (US). The findings indicate that many of the children suffered emotional and health problems, as well as learning and educational difficulties and behavioural problems.
Families, violence and social change.
McKie, Linda and May, Tim
Maidenhead, Berkshire: Open University Press, 2005
ISBN: 0335211585
This book looks at domestic violence, considering gender, older women and social and economic changes.
Tackling domestic violence: providing advocacy and support to survivors from black and other minority ethnic communities (PDF)
Parmar, Alpa, Sampson, Alice and Diamond, Alana
[London]: Home Office. Research, Development and Statistics Directorate, 2005
ISBN: 1844735583
A report to provide guidance for practitioners working with female victims of domestic violence who are from Black and other ethnic minority groups. Includes references and a list of useful organisations.
Refuge assessment and intervention for pre-school children exposed to domestic violence, August 2005: under 5s at significant risk from effects of domestic violence.
Refuge
[London]: Refuge, 2005
A summary of research findings from a study looking at pre-school responses to domestic violence in a refuge setting. Concludes that early intervention and support for pre-school children experiencing domestic violence is neither recognised, nor is there adequate provision to help them overcome the effects of trauma. Calls for government to ensure that under 5s are placed at the centre of all domestic violence policies.
Adolescents' perceptions of attachments to their mothers and fathers in families with histories of domestic violence: a longitudinal perspective.
Sternberg, Kathleen J. et al.
Child Abuse and Neglect 29(8), August 2005: 853-869
Examines the effects of both childhood and adolescent experiences of domestic violence on adolescent parental attachment amongst Israeli adolescents. Found that abuse status 5 years earlier was unrelated to adolescents current perceptions of attachments but current abuse status did predict perceptions of attachment to their mothers. Concludes that, as parental attachment may continue to adapt, there is potential for successful intervention even with families with violent histories.
Exposure to violence and low income children's mental health: direct, moderated and mediated relations.
Buckner, John C., Beardslee, William R. and Bassuk, Ellen L.
American Journal of Orthopsychiatry 74(4), 2004: 413-423
This article describes research into the effects of violence on the mental health of a group of children from low income families. Findings showed that 62% of the children had been exposed to at least one form of violence, the effects of this being predominantly internalising symptoms such as depression.
Pregnancy as a stimulus for domestic violence.
Burch, Rebecca L. and Gallup Jr. Gordon G.
Journal of Family Violence 19(4), August 2004: 243-253
Discusses the findings from an exercise in which data was collected from a domestic violence prevention and treatment programme in order to determine the relationship between female reproductive status and violent incidents. The frequency and severity of male initiated violence against women were found to be twice as high as when they were pregnant. The results are discussed in the context of an evolutionary perspective on domestic violence .
Understanding what children say: children's experiences of domestic violence, parental substance misuse and parental health problems
Gorin, Sarah
National Children's Bureau in association with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, 2004.
ISBN: 1904787126.
Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004: chapter 28
Great Britain, laws and statutes
Norwich: The Stationery Office (TSO), 2004
ISBN: 0105428043
An Act to amend Part 4 of the Family Law Act 1996, the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and the Protection from Harassment (Northern Ireland) Order 1997. This Act makes provision for homicide, makes common assault an arrestable offence, makes provisions for the payment of surcharges by offenders, for alternative verdicts, and 'unfitness to plead' cases, and amends section 58 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 in relation to intermittent custody.
The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004.
Hill, Robert N.
Family Law 35, April 2005: 281-284
This article looks at the recent Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 and what changes are to be made to the law.
Pregnancy and domestic violence: a review of the literature.
Jasinski, Jana L.
Trauma Violence and Abuse 5(1), January 2004: 47-64
Literature review aiming to organise and synthesise the interdisciplinary empirical research on pregnancy-related violence and to provide direction for researchers and practitioners for future work in this area. Suggests that there are still many unanswered questions regarding the risk factors, and the prevalence and consequences of this type of abuse .
The UK gold book: a guide to refuge and domestic abuse services 2004/5.
Johnson, Myra and Parker, Teresa
Bristol: Women's Aid Federation of England (WAFE), 2004
ISBN: 0907817025
A guide to refuge and domestic abuse services which provide public contact details for women and children affected by violence in the home. Aims to help individuals and agencies to locate appropriate services by geographical area. The directory also provides information about the range of domestic abuse services, supporting information for women, and referral guidelines .
Child maltreatment in families experiencing domestic violence.
Lee, Li-Ching, Kotch, Jonathan B. and Cox, Christine E.
Violence and Victims 19(5), October 2004: 573-591
This article looks at the association between domestic violence and child abuse. The findings showed that domestic violence consistently predicted child maltreatment and that social support may protect children in these environments.
'He killed my mommy!' Murder or attempted murder of a child's mother.
Lewandowski, Linda A. et al.
Journal of Family Violence 19(4), August 2004: 211-220
Reviews the literature on children who have experienced the murder or attempted murder of their mother by a current or former partner. Aims to provide some descriptive sociodemographic and contextual data. Highlights the extent of such experiences and the scarcity of systematic interventions for such children.
Twenty-nine child homicides: lessons still to be learnt on domestic violence and child protection (PDF)
Saunders, Hilary
[Bristol]: Women's Aid Federation of England (WAFE), 2004
An evaluation of 29 child homicides based mainly on the executive summaries of serious case reviews carried out after the children were killed. Considers whether the courts knowingly granted unsupervised contact or residence to a violent parent, whether domestic violence had been recognised as a serious child protection issue, and whether the professionals involved understood the dynamics of domestic violence. Asks if the children were listened to and taken seriously, if frontline staff recognised significant risk indicators, if Government guidance was followed, and why no serious case review was carried out with regard to seven of the children.
Domestic violence prevention video for schools.
Debbonaire, Thangam and Westminster Domestic Violence Forum
London: Westminster Domestic Violence Forum, 2003
Video (180mins) aimed at teachers and others working with young people. Aims to raise awareness of domestic violence issues through drama and activities .
Effects of family violence on child behavior and health during early childhood.
English, Diana J., Marshall, David B. and Stewart, Angela J.
Journal of Family Violence 18(1), February 2003: 43-57
Examines measures of child behaviour and health to see if they tend to be worse when domestic violence is or has been present in a family. Examines caregiver and family characteristics, amongst other factors, as possible moderators or mediators of the effects of domestic violence.
Focusing on safety: domestic violence and the role of child contact centres.
Humphreys, Cathy and Harrison, Christine
Child and Family Law Quarterly 15(3), 2003: 237-253
Discusses the findings from research looking at the issues that arise when domestic violence is a factor in child contact arrangements. Explores the conflict between the need for safety and pro-contact practice. The research was based in child contact centres in the UK .
Domestic violence is associated with environmental suppression of IQ in young children.
Koenen, Karestan C. et al.
Development and Psychopathology 15(2), Spring 2003: 297-311
Presents the findings of a study to test whether domestic violence has environmentally-mediated effects on children's intelligence. The study found that children exposed to high levels of domestic violence had IQs that were, on average, 8 points lower than unexposed children. Suggests programmes that successfully reduce domestic violence should also have beneficial effects on children's cognitive development.
Understanding the links: child abuse, animal abuse and domestic violence: information for professionals
NSPCC
London: NSPCC, 2005
Leaflet aimed at professionals working with children, families or animals. Outlines current knowledge of the links, explains what action concerned professionals should take and suggests ways the links could be incorporated into working practices.
Domestic violence and children's adjustment: a review of research.
Onyskiw, Judee E.
Journal of Emotional Abuse 3(1/2), 2003: 11-45
A review of the literature on the effects of witnessing domestic violence on children's adjustment. Results show that children exposed to domestic violence generally have more emotional and behavioural problems, less social and cognitive competence and more health problems that children not exposed to domestic violence.
Confronting domestic violence.
Donnellan, Craig
Cambridge: Independence Educational Publishers, 2002
ISBN: 1861682182
Collection of articles aimed at abused women. Includes information about seeking help and accessing support services.
Children's perspectives on domestic violence.
Mullender, Audrey et al.
London: Sage, 2002
ISBN: 0761971068
Considers children's experiences of, and perspectives on, living with domestic violence.
Safe and sound: a resource manual for working with children who have experienced domestic violence.
Saunders, Hilary and Humphreys, Cathy
Women's Aid Federation of England (WAFE)
Bristol: Women's Aid Federation of England (WAFE), 2002
ISBN: 0907817165
Primarily aimed at children's support workers in refuge projects.
Home truths about domestic violence: feminist influences on policy and practice: a reader.
Hanmer, Jalna, and Itzin, Catherine
London: Routledge, 2001
ISBN: 041524157X
Includes NSPCC research into children's experiences of domestic violence.
What works in reducing domestic violence?: a comprehensive guide for professionals.
Taylor-Browne, Julie
London: Whiting and Birch, 2001
ISBN: 1861770375
Aimed at people working in this field and in particular those engaged in multi-agency work.
Child protection and domestic violence.
Debbonaire, Thangam, and Mullender, Audrey
Birmingham: Venture Press, 2000
ISBN: 1861780427
Aimed at anyone who works with children and families. Summarises research about domestic violence and its effects on children, and outlines approaches to intervention.
When father kills mother: guiding children through trauma and grief.
Hendriks, Jean Harris, Black, Dora, and Kaplan, Tony
London: Routledge, 2000
ISBN: 0415196280
Making an impact: children and domestic violence: a reader
Hester, Marianne, Pearson, Chris, and Harwin, Nicola
London: Jessica Kingsley, 2000
ISBN: 1853028444
Examines the links between domestic violence and child abuse, the legal context and practice issues in work with children who have experienced domestic violence.
Social work, domestic violence and child protection: challenging practice.
Humphreys, Catherine
Bristol: Policy Press, 2000
ISBN:1861341903
Looks at social work practice in the area of domestic violence and child abuse with particular regard to the needs of Asian families.
From good intentions to good practice: mapping services working with families where there is domestic violence.
Humphreys, Catherine
Bristol: Policy Press, 2000
ISBN: 1861342454
Provides a framework for good practice for working with families affected by domestic violence.
Childhood experiences of domestic violence.
McGee, Caroline
London: Jessica Kingsley, 2000
ISBN: 1853028274
NSPCC research into children's experiences of domestic violence and support services for those affected by domestic violence. Available from NSPCC Publications
Asian survivors of domestic violence.
Adams, Edward
Norwich: Social Work Monographs, 1999
ISBN: 1857840658
Research paper considering the experience of Asian women in the UK.
Domestic violence: findings from a new British Crime Survey self completion questionnaire.
Mirrlees-Black, Catriona and Home Office Research, Development and Statistics Directorate
London: Home Office, 1999
ISBN: 1840821930
Strengthening diversity: good practice in delivering domestic violence services to Black women and children.
Rai, Dhanwant K. and Thiara, Ravi K.
Bristol: Women's Aid Federation of England, 1999
ISBN: 0907817807
Preventing family violence: a manual for action.
Warrior, Josephine
London: Save the Children, 1999
ISBN: 2940217106
Examines the nature and impact of different forms of family violence on children. Includes worldwide examples of good practice in prevention and treatment.
Making an impact: children and domestic violence
Hester, Marianne et al.
Ilford: Barnardo's, 1998
ISBN: 0902046497
Training pack, produced with NSPCC involvement, aimed at people who work directly with children.
"It hurts me too": children's experiences of domestic violence and refuge life.
Saunders, Alex et al.
London: Alex Saunders with WAFE, NISW and ChildLine, 1995
ISBN: 0907817556
Feel safe at home (PDF, 720KB)
NSPCC
London: NSPCC, 2007
A compact and user-friendly Z card aimed at children aged seven to twelve. It talks in straightforward language about what domestic violence is, how it can make children feel, and how and where they can get help. It explains that domestic violence is not their fault, and that there are people who will listen and understand. Available from NSPCC Publications
Whole woman: essential information for mums (PDF, 1.9MB)
NSPCC
London: NSPCC, 2007
A small booklet designed primarily for women, although it recognises that men experience domestic violence too. It acknowledges women's fears and encourages them to seek help for themselves and their children. It helps women to understand the impact of domestic violence on their children and encourages them to move on from a position of feeling powerless to being able to take action to improve the situation. Available from NSPCC Publications
Hurting, coping, growing: children and domestic violence.
Crilly, Anne and Curran, Jim
Belfast: Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation, 2001
Aimed at organisations working with children, addressing the effects of domestic violence on children and young people.
Hitting and hurting: living in a violent family.
Pickering, Fran
London: Children's Society, 2000
ISBN: 1899783210
A book for children living in violent families. Designed to be read by children without adult help but can also be used by adults working with younger children.
Hands off.
Elfyn, Menna and Welsh Women's Aid
London: Save the Children
A resource pack for young people aged 11-14 which looks at relationships and domestic abuse.
Working with young people on domestic violence issues.
Manchester City Council Education Department
Manchester: Manchester City Council, 1998
ISBN: 0904072452
Teacher's pack containing resources for children aged 5 - 16.
Domestic violence: youth activity pack.
Hislop, Rose and Johnson, Isobelle
Wrexham: NCH Action for Children, 1996
Contains games and exercises aimed at raising awareness of the impact of domestic violence on young people.
Behind closed doors: domestic violence video and handbook.
Hislop, Rose, Bailey, Kev and NCH Action for Children Wrexham
Open Doors Project
Wrexham: NCH Action for Children, 1996
Training pack for secondary schools and youth groups.
No fear: heading for healthy relationships.
Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation
Belfast: Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation, 199-
Activity pack designed to raise awareness of domestic violence amongst young people.
Although the sites listed here are checked regularly, the constantly changing nature of the internet means that some sites may alter after we have viewed them. The NSPCC is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, the content of these external websites.
Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearinghouse
www.austdvclearinghouse.unsw.edu.au
A website that acts as a central point for the collection and dissemination of Australian and international domestic and family violence policy, practice and research.
Domestic Violence Intervention Project
www.dvip.org
Site of the DViP charity, which aims to increase the safety of women and children who experience domestic violence by providing a range of diverse services.
National Clearinghouse on Family Violence (Canada)
www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ncfv-cnivf/familyviolence
A site sponsored by the Canadian government that offers bibliographies and a database of over 8,000 references on domestic violence and child abuse, including many downloadable documents.
Northern Ireland Women's Aid Federation (NIWAF)
www.niwaf.org
A site providing information and statistics about domestic violence in Northern Ireland.
Women`s Aid
www.womensaid.org.uk
A site offering information, research and statistics about domestic violence in England.
Zero Tolerance
www.zerotolerance.org.uk
The site of a UK charity that has pioneered public awareness campaigns highlighting male violence against women and children.
These items do not necessarily reflect the views of the NSPCC. Anyone wishing to obtain any of the items on the list should contact their own public or academic library or bookshop. For information about publications produced by the NSPCC, please contact NSPCC Publications.
Copyright © 2006 NSPCC - All rights reserved. National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, Weston House, 42
Curtain Road, London EC2A 3NH. Incorporated by Royal Charter. Registered charity number 216401. NSPCC, charity registered in Scotland, charity number SC037717.