Category: Abuse

Professionals’ Needs When Identifying and Intervening in Cases of Emotional Violence Against Children: A Qualitative Descriptive Study

A new study sheds light on the experiences and needs of professionals who work with children and families when emotional violence is present. Emotional violence can be less visible than physical or sexual abuse, but it has serious effects on children’s mental health and behaviour.

The research explores how professionals in health, social care and education struggle with recognising emotional violence, starting conversations with families, and knowing how to intervene in ways that are safe and effective. Participants highlighted the need for more training, practical tools and support from colleagues and supervisors so they can work confidently within complex service systems.

This study underlines why ongoing education and support for frontline staff matters, especially for those working at the intersection of mental health, safeguarding and family support. It also points to the importance of clear pathways, culturally sensitive resources and systemic backing that enable professionals to protect children and support families.

Read the full article here: Professionals’ Needs When Identifying and Intervening in Cases of Emotional Violence Against Children: A Qualitative Descriptive Study – Ikonen – 2025 – Health & Social Care in the Community – Wiley Online Library

Public Health

Current awareness updates

Campaigning to eliminate drink spiking.
Stamp Out Spiking UK; 2022.
[This campaign offers anti-drink spiking resources and solutions that help people to stay safe, with a mission to raise awareness and promote personal safety issues, by providing people with information and a practical means of protecting themselves, and ultimately, to stamp out drink spiking.]

Delivering safe, face-to-face adult day care.
Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE); 2022.
[Supporting care managers, social workers, commissioners and providers, with activities. The latest updates to the guidance include: Infection control and testing; vaccination information; and changes to restrictions due to Omicron.]

Recent increase in group B meningococcal disease among teenagers and young adults.
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA); 2022.
[Teenagers and young adults are urged to look out for symptoms and check that they have received all routine vaccinations. Recent data and analysis shows that in autumn 2021 there was an increase in the number of cases of meningococcal disease in teenagers and young adults, mainly caused by group B meningococcal disease (MenB) – with the majority among university students.]

Focusing on men’s health: it’s time for a national strategy.
Baker P. British Journal of Nursing 2022;31(1):50-51.
[It is surely time for a men’s health strategy in the UK. Or, rather, a strategy for each of the UK’s nations. Seven other countries—including our nearest neighbour, Ireland—already have men’s health strategies or policies. The UK Government has also signed up to World Health Organization (WHO) Europe’s regional men’s health strategy (WHO Regional Office for Europe, 2018). A Women’s Health Plan for Scotland was published in August and a women’s health strategy for England is being developed.]

Stop Abuse Together.
Cabinet Office; 2022.
[Tool to help parents, carers, teachers or other professionals working with children, to spot the potential signs of child sexual abuse and where to go for support. This website brings together advice and resources to help you keep the children in your life safe.]