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 Domestic Violence and Child Protection: Directions for Good Practice 
 Cathy Humphreys and Nicky Stanley, Jessica Kingsley Publishers
 ISBN 1 84310 276 5,
 £18.99

 STAR RATING: 4/5





Humphreys and Stanley have here produced an authoritative, multi-faceted and challenging work, write Sue Bridge and Judith Gibson.

It has much to offer both practitioners and managers who grapple with the complex arena of domestic violence and child protection, providing both theoretical grounding and applicable practice advice.


The introduction is a must, setting out the contemporary landscape in which these issues are addressed and reminding us that our minimum requirement is not merely to "do no harm" but actively to increase safety and accountability.

What follows is a sequence of recommendations from multi-agency practice, adult and child survivor experience and engagement with perpetrators.

The only shame, as the book highlights, is that despite the significant advances of recent years, there is still a lack of clarity, impetus and resources at national level to ensure that the best practice documented in individual areas across the UK is implemented for all.


It is to be hoped that this book informs professionals and influences the services they provide. It certainly makes a significant contribution to that wider campaign to increase safety for some of society's most vulnerable children and those who care for them.

Sue Bridge and Judith Gibson are members of Cheshire Domestic Abuse Partnership