Focusing upon children and men in situations of domestic violence: an analysis of the gendered nature of British health visiting

Despite considerable feminist critiques of British health visiting work which have pointed to its gendered nature, this issue has received very little attention within the professional literature. The emphasis has been upon the 'health' focus, often highlighting the needs of marginalized groups. The recent professional interest in women experiencing domestic violence draws upon a long-standing feminist concern which has established the extent and nature of domestic violence, and the difficulties facing women in seeking help about their situation. The present paper reports some findings from a study of British health visiting practice in relation to women experiencing domestic violence. Drawing upon interview data from 24 health visitors, this paper focuses specifically upon health visitors' accounts of their practice in relation to both children and men when they were aware women were experiencing domestic violence. Their concerns, which include child welfare and personal safety illustrate some of the complexities facing practitioners when faced with domestic violence situations. The analysis also highlights the gendered practices inherent within health visiting work.