Rethinking domestic abuse in child protection: responding differently

This project will investigate the nature of domestic abuse and violence (DAV) in Child Protection contexts, supporting the development of effective new responses.

42.6% of incidents involving serious harm to children in 2020 involved DAV. Practical innovations and the Domestic Abuse Act (2021) have attempted to fortify protections for children. However, research suggests there are persistently problematic practice features. Responses and referrals often fail to differentiate between types of abuse and levels of risk, depriving decision makers of important tools. Mothers, often the focus of harm, become subject to Child Protection investigations and judgements of ‘failing to protect’, potentially resulting in the removal of their children. Other victims of abuse may receive no intervention. Children and parents who have been separated receive little trauma informed support; furthermore, there is evidence suggesting separation increases risks.

The research team has three sequential aims:

1. Addressing gaps in our knowledge on the nature and characteristics of DAV in Child Protection situations.
2. Examining the relationship between DAV, Child Protection responses, and intersectional inequalities, determining how these shape experiences and outcomes.
3. Producing informed frameworks, in partnership with families and practitioners, to support new approaches in policy and practice.

The research team will partner with three local authorities (LAs), two in England and one in Scotland, to use as case studies. The Child in Need Census, prepared by each LA between April 2017 and March 2020, will be analysed using latent class analysis, highlighting common co-occurring risk factors. Researchers will be placed in each of the LAs, documenting practices and experiences when interventions are driven by concerns of DAV, as well as interviewing staff and practitioners. Meetings with family representatives to explore their experiences will contextualise and balance the interviews with practitioners. Relationships between DAV typology and intersecting inequalities will be mapped, revealing whether different types of abuse are unequally experienced by certain population groups.

The production of new systems, practices, and frameworks for policy and practice will have a direct impact on the experiences of victims of DAV in CP contexts. Accessible briefing reports and data visualisations will be produced and shared among key stakeholders. Academic articles will cover substantive findings and methodological advances, helping to inspire and inform future research.