This Handbook provides a clear introduction to the theoretical debates surrounding the topic of domestic violence, and also offers practical advice on possible interventions. Focusing on improving the care of clients it covers: the causes and consequences of domestic violence personal and professional issues for the practitioner domestic violence and the law the process of effective intervention interventions in specific health care settings interventions where children are involved multi-agency approaches education and training. Taking an evidence-based approach to practical problems, Domestic Violence is an invaluable resource for nurses, doctors and other health practitioners who deal with the consequences of domestic violence in their daily work.

Health care practitioners have daily contact with patients whose health is damaged by domestic violence and who often face risks of further and more extreme injury. The NHS response must not be seen simply in terms of treating the consequences of abuse without also addressing the underlying causes. This responsibility rests with all health care practitioners who have contact with patients. (NHS Executive 2001)

One in four women will experience violence in the home at least once in their lives and many will be subjected to long-term violence. Health care practitioners are very often the first people to identify a problem related to domestic violence, but little has been published to support them in understanding what to do next. This handbook not only provides a clear introduction to the theoretical debates surrounding the topic but also offers practical advice on possible interventions. Focusing on improving the care of clients it covers:

· the causes and consequences of domestic violence
· personal and professional issues for the practitioner
· domestic violence and the law
· the process of effective intervention
· interventions in specific health care settings
· interventions where children are involved
· multi-agency approaches
· education and training.

Taking an evidence-based approach to practical problems, Domestic Violence: A Handbook for Health Care Practitioners will be a welcome new resource for nurses, doctors and other health practitioners who deal with the consequences of domestic violence in their daily work.