Therapeutic groupwork with young children and mothers who have experienced domestic abuse

There is mounting recognition that exposure to domestic abuse causes far-reaching damage to children's lives, development and psychological well-being. Studies estimate 10% to 20% of children are at risk of exposure to domestic abuse - thus domestic abuse must be seen as a crucial issue for educational psychologists (EPs). This study investigates the effects of domestic abuse on a group of mothers and their young children. It also describes how an Education Psychology Service (EPS) was involved in developing, running and evaluating therapeutic groupwork to promote positive mother-child relationships and to enhance the psychological well-being of mothers and their young children who have experienced domestic abuse.