Child-focused approaches when working with parents affected by family and domestic violence webinar

The ability of generalist practitioners to identify adults who are either perpetrating or experiencing family and domestic violence (FDV) is crucial for the prevention and early identification of its effects on children. In this webinar, Professor Sarah Wendt discussed research she is leading on the skills, understanding and support that practitioners require to be able to identify and respond to presentations from adult perpetrators and victims, and to ensure a focus on children’s social and emotional wellbeing.

This research shows that over two-thirds of parents presenting to Relationships Australia SA (RASA) identify as being affected by FDV, either as perpetrators or victims. David Tully discussed this research from a service perspective at RASA, sharing some of their experiences that have led to specific child-focused policies and practices and how these have supported positive outcomes for children. He also discussed practice models that support practitioners to have child-focused conversations with adults.

Throughout this webinar, Sarah and David shared their experiences as a researcher and a practitioner in working with parents in child-aware and parent-sensitive ways. This webinar supports practitioners to:

• work with perpetrators and victims to understand the impacts of FDV on their children in order to support children’s social and emotional wellbeing
• examine the skills and competencies that can be supported in generalist organisations to meet the needs of children
• consider the research and practice evidence of how particular understandings of FDV have directly benefitted the social and emotional wellbeing of children.