Social Work Now: The scourge of domestic violence has to be confronted head-on

There are more than one million female victims of domestic violence a year in England and Wales while in an average week, two women will lose their lives at the hands of a current or former partner. For children, the psychological impact of growing up around violence every day, involving the very people who are supposed to provide them with unconditional love and care, can be devastating and last a lifetime. The tragic truth is that children who witness domestic violence are much more likely to become abusers as adults. Our feature this month underlines the importance for all social workers to be alert to any signs of violence in the home. Broaching the issue of domestic violence with the suspected victim might be difficult but is essential. Working with other professionals and specialists is also crucial in order to get to the root of the abuse. This month's multi-agency panel considers a suspected case of domestic abuse, demonstrating clearly how social workers cannot work in isolation to protect women and children.

For many social workers at this point in time, the public spending cuts are just another source of aggravation to add to heavy caseloads, staff shortages and dwindling morale. But Professor Ray Jones manages to find a chink of light in all the doom and gloom about the cuts. Jones argues they might in fact compel services to collaborate more to better safeguard children and families. We will find out whether he is right, but if it happens it will not be overnight.

Defying the cuts is the Fostering Network's support care scheme, which has just been granted lottery funding to continue its work in Wales. Support carers provide a lifeline to struggling families, caring for their children for short spells. Elsewhere, the Fostering Network's Judy Walsh puts forward a strong case and a rallying cry to involve more young people with experience of the care system in fostering panels, which help to recruit foster carers. And this month's examination of a serious case review considers the notorious Derby child exploitation gang, and the failings behind that horrific case.

Finally this month: a huge thanks to our launch editor Jo Stephenson, who has done an excellent job in overseeing the first five editions of Social Work Now. Jo continues to write for the title as a consultant editor.

Ravi Chandiramani, editor-in-chief, Social Work Now