The Social Workers Union fully supports the aims of the Domestic Abuse Bill. We believe that all people, be they adults or children, should be protected from violence in any setting, including their home. We welcome the initiative of a cross-party group of Peers to introduce a new clause to the Bill that would provide greater protection to children from violence in the home by repealing the legal defence of ‘reasonable punishment’.
BASW England and BASW Cymru have backed an amendment to the Bill that would mean public authorities would have a statutory duty to commission support in the community for all victims of domestic abuse, including children.
A survey of 1119 social workers across the UK by the British Association of Social Workers has revealed a string of concerns, as well as practice issues.
We are hearing from social workers in different roles and from students around the country about the impact that this new lockdown is having on their morale and wellbeing.
There needs to be significant, long-term investment in children and young people across the country - with support services for vulnerable children and care leavers requiring urgent resources, both during and beyond the pandemic.