Keeping the focus on children: the challenges of safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse.

Safeguarding children affected by domestic abuse is a key responsibility for all professionals who work with children and their families. Despite numerous policy and practice initiatives, professionals - particularly those in universal and additional support services - face challenges in achieving this.

This paper reports findings from a small study conducted in the north of England during 2011 which examined these issues. 50 professionals working in health, education and early years settings took part in group discussions. Data was recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic approach. The study was approved by the University of Huddersfield School of Health and Human Sciences Research Ethics Panel (SREP).

One of the key findings emerging from the study was the difficulties professionals identified in working with children and young people affected by domestic abuse. The findings suggests that the skills and confidence of professionals could be further developed in order to improve the safeguarding of children and young people and to enable professionals to achieve and maintain a child centred focus to their work.