Susan Bewley and Jan Welch (Eds). Wiley Blackwell price £21.99 pp 136 ISBN

9781118482186

The first edition of ABC of domestic and sexual violence complements the existing series of ABC books. Both the editors are passionate about this subject and, with this book, aim to improve health services to support families suffering domestic and sexual violence.

This book is targeted at all teams providing healthcare, and aims to increase knowledge and confidence to enable the team to identify, question and act appropriately within this realm. It highlights when, where and how to achieve this most effectively within conventional healthcare settings.

The 26 chapters are conveniently titled and penned by various authors. The authors provide a valuable picture of each topic and go on to identify noteworthy points and give very practical ideas of how to cope when faced with a domestic and sexual violence issue. Case examples are described in many chapters, including 'The Dental Team'. These case scenarios provide real insight into what 'survivors' (classically termed 'victims') may be thinking and feeling. Signposts to online resources and descriptions of available services that patients may be referred to are included. To understand the evidence base of each topic, further reading is recommended. A 'Risk Identification Checklist' provided as an appendix gives front line practitioners the basic tools to identify high risk cases.

However, 'The Dental Team' chapter is rather disappointing as it provides no additional information beyond what is learnt and understood by a recent graduate. Alone, this chapter is poor as a clinical tool, but it identifies further chapters and this is where the real information can be found.

The book goes on to consider documentation and how clinicians may be involved in court proceedings. The points made and lessons learnt listed here can clearly be applied to many situations dental teams commonly find themselves in.

The book very effectively challenges traditions and viewpoints, including female genital mutilation, as well as questioning male circumcision. It also does not forget the less obvious groups involved in domestic and sexual violence: males, children, the vulnerable or elderly and the perpetrators themselves.

Despite the distressing subject, the book is thoughtful and non-apologetic throughout and allows the reader to see the true value in its pages and not be put off by taboos. Overall, the book achieves its aim of empowering healthcare workers to ask searching questions at appropriate points, whilst providing clear structured guidance and excellent signposts.