Talking about Domestic Abuse

Cathy Humphreys, Ravi K Thiara, Agnes Skamballis and Audrey Mullender form the research team for the Centre for the Study of Safety and Wellbeing, at the University of Warwick. Cathy Humphreys is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Health and Social Studies at the University of Warwick. Ravi K Thiara is Senior Research Fellow in the School of Health and Social Studies at the University of Warwick. Audrey Mullender is Principal of Ruskin College, Oxford University. Her distinguished research career has focused on domestic violence, post-adoption issues for birth relatives and groupwork theory.

Talking about Domestic Abuse is an excellent resource for working with children from approximately nine years to adolescents who have experienced domestic abuse. The main focus of the activities is to develop a safe, accepting environment where young people and their mothers can tell their stories, explore concerns, share triumphs and discover their uniqueness, enabling them to move forward together. Both books would be essential tolls for practitioners working with children and young people whose families have experienced domestic abuse. They are clearly written and illustrated in an engaging style that grasps the readers' attention. They also deepen the understanding of how and why a creative approach with children can work in the healing process.

• Acknowledgements. Foreword by June Freeman. Introduction and guidance. Section 1: Early days. 1. Things about me and Mum. 2. Feelings tree. 3. What makes us feel good. 4. What I think about the place where I live now. 5. Shared living areas - what's the big idea? 6. Having a bad day. 7. Feelings puzzle. 8. Checking in. Section 2: Talking about things that matter. 9. Sharing the good times: A starring memory. 10. The secrecy habit. 11. Don't bottle it up! Talking about feelings. 12. Excitement and fear. 13. Let's talk about anger. 14. Things I like and things Mum likes. 15. Changes in my family. 16. Feelings about Dad. 17. Chilling out. 18. Other issues outside the home. Section 3: Moving on. 19. Keeping track of my life. 20. Worries and excitement. 21. Risks and safety. 22. Changes we have made. 23. Moving on - where next? 24. Looking backwards, looking forwards. Certificate. Reflection sheet and feedback form. Conclusion. Useful contacts.