One third of domestic abuse begins during pregnancy, rising to 40% within a baby’s first 1001 days of life. It contributes to around one in four babies entering care, making it the highest-ranking factor for children’s safeguarding.

Despite landmark legislation being introduced across the UK to protect children against domestic abuse, a recent report by the Children’s Commissioner for England and Wales - “Victims in their own right: Babies, children and young people’s experiences of domestic abuse” – has been highly critical of whether it is resulting in changes to practice.

This episode of Let’s Talk Social Work, produced to mark the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based-Violence campaign, explores why the system is still failing too many babies and infants across the UK. We’re joined by Lauren Seager-Smith, CEO of The For Baby’s Sake Trust, Becky Reynolds, a qualified social worker and Deputy Director of Operations at The For Baby’s Sake Trust, and Paddi Vint, a Quality and Development Manager at the NSPCC.

We discuss the causes and implications of domestic abuse on babies and infants, how social workers can safeguard victims, raise the alarm and prevent instances of domestic abuse from occurring, and whether the profession is as well-equipped as it should be to respond.

This episode covers a lot of very upsetting and distressing themes, so listener discretion is advised. If you want to access support, the following helplines are available:

·      National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (run by Refuge): https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

·      Rights of Women advice lines, there are a range of services available: https://www.rightsofwomen.org.uk/

·      The Men’s Advice Line, for male domestic abuse survivors – 0808 801 0327 (run by Respect): https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

·      The Mix, free information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994: https://www.themix.org.uk/get-support

·      National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428 (run by Galop) : https://www.galop.org.uk/

Samaritans (24/7 service) – 116 123: https://www.samaritans.org

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