Opinion

Domestic abuse needs national conversation

According to the Office for National Statistics, seven women every month are killed by a current or former partner in England and Wales and 130,000 children live in homes where there is high risk domestic abuse.

Few would disagree that there is more than a compelling case for us to try to understand the characteristics and complexities associated with providing the most effective help.

Ofsted has done that in the second round of Joint Targeted Area Inspections investigating the response of five local authorities, police and health services to children living with domestic abuse. The reports describe the fundamental importance of strong multi-professional responses, underpinned by a shared practice framework, uncomplicated information sharing that respects family consent, regular shared auditing and relentless questioning about the difference they are making at the frontline.

Leadership is predictably singled out as a critical success measure in local areas, requiring domestic abuse to be prioritised, supported by a clear strategy, good data and realistic plans.

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