• Domestic Violence National Action Plan - Domestic Violence: A national report sets out our progress so far in tackling the crime.   It also details the Domestic Violence National Action Plan proposals to further improve support for victims and bring more perpetrators to justice.
  


• Putting children and young people first - CAFCASS - Domestic Violence Assessment Policy
  


• Developing Domestic Violence Strategies - A Guide For Partnerships
  The Home Office has published new guidance for Partnerships to develop their domestic violence strategy and approach for working in partnership to deal with domestic violence.
  


• Stockport Project: "The Effects of Domestic Violence on Mothers and their Young Children and the Development and Evaluation of Groupwork with these families" By Dr Lynda W Dodd
  In December 2004 Lynda was awarded the degree of Doctor in Educational Psychology from the University of Manchester . Her research was about "The Effects of Domestic Violence on Mothers and their Young Children and the Development and Evaluation of Groupwork with these families" Dr Lynda W Dodd , Stockport Education Psychology Service.

For more information email: lynda.dodd@stockport.gov.uk

• The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004
  The act aims to increase the rights of victims and witnesses, ensuring they receive the help, support and protection they need.
  
  
• Paying the price: a consultation paper on prostitution, July 2004.
  This consultation aimed to obtain the comments of individuals and groups affected by prostitution, or those involved in helping to protect and support people vulnerable to exploitation through prostitution.
  
  
• Tackling Domestic Violence: Providing support for children who have witnessed domestic violence, December 2004
  This report provides good practice recommendations and suggestions for a range of practitioners and professionals who have a role in commissioning, developing or delivering initiatives to support children who have in the past or are currently witnessing domestic violence.
  
  
• Evaluation of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts/ Fast Track Systems By Dee Cook, Mandy Burton , Amanda Robinson and Christine Vallely - March 2004
  The research indicates the notable and positive benefits of Specialist Domestic Violence Courts and Fast Track Systems.
  
  
• Guidance for Partnerships/PCTS Commencement of PCTS as responsible Authorities
  On 30 April 2004 Primary Care Trusts (PCTs) in England became responsible authorities within Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships (CDRPs) under section 5(1) of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, as amended by the Police Reform Act 2002. This circular notifies you that guidance is now available to support the new arrangements.
  
  
• Opportunity By Women's Aid
  Now Opportunity Now (a body representing hundreds of employers), working with Women's Aid, launched The Good Practice Guide for Employers on Domestic Violence and the Workplace CD Rom in April 2003. The launch attracted over 100 employers and the CD Rom was sent to over 700 contacts.
  
  
• The Cost of Domestic Violence: A report by Sylvia Walby ( University of Leeds ) September 2004
  The research estimates the cost of domestic violence for the state, employers and the men and women who are subjected to it.
  
  
• Living Without Fear - an integrated approach to tackling violence against women. A joint Home Office/Women's Unit publication.
  Living without fear is aimed at service providers, both in local government and the voluntary sector, as well as women themselves. Women Equality Unit are publishing comprehensive information about violence against women and how it is being tackled and pulling together examples of the good work which is going on already, as well as setting a strategic framework for the future.
  
• Responding to domestic abuse: A handbook for health professionals - The Department of Health
  This handbook gives practical guidance to healthcare professionals on working with patients who may have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse. Even though much domestic abuse occurs within the privacy of personal relationships, it is far from being a private issue. Occurring in all parts of society, it accounts for 25 percent of violent crime and costs the taxpayer billions of pounds every year – £3.1 billion in England and Wales in 2004. However, the greatest cost is to the women and children from all social backgrounds who deal with its effects on their lives on a day-to-day basis, even long after they have escaped abuse. Many cases of domestic abuse start during pregnancy.

  Contained within the handbook is an action plan following recommendations by the Domestic Abuse and Pregnancy Group set up during 2005. The action plan includes information on how health services can meet the needs of pregnant women who may be experiencing abuse and has informed this handbook helping to shape future policy.

  As well as covering work with women, the handbook covers the basic information that healthcare professionals will need to know to respond effectively to children who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.

  Source: www.dh.gov.uk

• More publications can be found on the Crime Reduction website

Just because someone does not look like a "typical victim" does not mean he or she is not suffering from domestic abuse. Domestic violence can happen to anyone.