THE HIDDEN VICTIMS. CHILDREN AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Sukina Hammond's father had a long history of violence against his wife. When he battered the little girl to death in 1988, the incident led to the belated realisation that domestic violence has its hidden victims — the children. This study arose from the need for child care practitioners to have a better understanding of the experience of families living with domestic violence. The research was carried out at NCH Action For Children Family Centres around Britain, using questionaires supported by in-depth interviews with mothers and their children. It may be that no more than a quarter of these children are victims of physical violence. But, what this harrowing portrait shows conclusively is this — long term emotional damage overwhelmed all the children. The likely scale of the problem is huge, and the report points to changes in public policy which are essential if this national scandal is seriously to be addressed. For the child care practitioner and the policy maker alike, "The Hidden Victims" is essential reading. Published by NCH Action For Children 85 Highbury Park London N5 1UD Telephone 0171 - 226 2033 Registered Charity No. 215301