Problems in the system of mandatory reporting of children living with domestic violence

Historically, the chasm between services for women and services for children has been problematised in the domestic and family violence arena. However, this paper argues that it is now equally, or more problematic, that the recognition of harm to children in the context of domestic and family violence has 'grafted' statutory child protection response to intervention in this area. This paper argues that when judged against the criteria for a functional system, one which is effective, efficient, efficacious or ethical then there are a number of areas in which the child protection system fails in relation to children living with domestic violence. The paper raises three issues of particular concern: (a) responding to a widespread social problem through an individualised response at the tertiary end of provision; (b) undermining the voluntary and empowerment model of intervention for women through compulsory, statutory intervention with children; (c) creating a mandatory pathway to an intervention system which is not set up to work with an adult and child victim or intervene effectively with men who use violence.