Talking about
Domestic Abuse
Cathy Humphreys, Ravi K
Thiaram Agnes Skamballis and Audrey Mullender
Talking about
Domestic Abuse is a photo activity workbook aimed at young
people between the ages of
nine and adolescence, and
who have witnessed domestic violence in their home.
The mothers - who
took part in the survey - said they had appreciated support for
themselves from a refuge worker or counsellor, and the aim of
this book is to facilitate communication so mothers and
children can strengthen their relationship through activities.
It is hard to parent when feeling depressed or anxious or
afraid, and the child/parent relationship has often been
severely undermined by seeing his or her mother abused.
I believe that
anything which helps to encourage children to talk about their
experiences should be welcomed, and this book sets our clearly
the rules and tips for getting started. I feel there needs to
be a very sensitive touch applied to using this book, and
selective use of the exercises may be called for. For example,
the 'feelings tree' will appeal to some rather than all the
children. I like the fact that the authors
acknowledge that some young people are very active and would
prefer more physical action than are present in this workbook.
As in all things, it is horses for courses, and the burden is on
the professional to gauge which sections of the book are most
appropriate.
Domestic abuse is
rife in our society and as any professional knows it is often
hidden behind closed doors. Even today there is still some
shame attached to admitting there is domestic violence at home
- the secrecy adds an intolerable burden on all family members.
The activities in
this workbook were developed with the help of mothers and young
people who have lived with domestic abuse - but although this
was not the authors brief - we must remember that there are
fathers and children who would appreciate some help too.
© Jill Curtis 2006
Price £17.99
published by Jessica
Kingsley Publishers
ISBN-13:978 1 84310 423
0
and is available from 
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