Appropriate Interventive Techniques for Children
Recent research indicates that several types of clinical interventions may be appropriate for mental health professionals to use when seeing children exposed to domestic violence:

• Group work for Children is a particularly useful intervention. Group work with children can help them feel less isolated while offering social support. Groups can be psychoeducational in format, incorporating, play or art therapeutic techniques. Most domestic violence centers offer groups for children.
   
• Family counseling is an important intervention if certain preconditions occur. If the violence is ongoing it is imperative that the abuse complete a certified batterers’ intervention program first. Both parents must also be willing to learn how domestic violence impacts children and not minimize or deny its affect. Parent education can be a key component of family counseling.
   
• Individual counseling may also be used. As in group work, play therapeutic techniques may be effectively employed to address the common emotional reactions children display.
   
• Protective interventions are also a key strategy to employ. Providing information to the child’s non-abusing parent about the local domestic violence shelter, law enforcement options, injunctive orders and safety planning is critical to the child’s therapeutic outcome. Additionally it may be necessary to report the family to the Department of Children and Families for a protective investigation if you suspect child abuse or neglect.