Abstract:

The review of the literature (Humphreys & Campo, 2017, p.5) found that there was “no single definitive approach to intervention” in working with fathers who remain in the home or have significant contact with their children. Humphreys and Campo (2017, p.2), did, however, identify the following key messages:
• Very little evidence exists of effective, safe practice where there is DFV and mothers and fathers remain living together, or when they are co-parenting a children.
• A range of different responses have been developed from different areas of the service system to respond to families living with DFV, including nurse visitors, couple counselling, restorative justice, CP and whole of family approaches with vulnerable families.
• Where services have been developed, there are generally stringent conditions that support safety for all parties, including workers, when working with fathers who use violence.
• Whole of family approaches that engage each member of the family where there is DFV and focus on parenting represent emerging practice, with some promising developments.
• Workforce development is critical in an area where skilled work is essential to support the safety and wellbeing of all involved.