Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many members of staff at the Child Maintenance Service are qualified to advise victims of domestic violence.

During the Child Maintenance application process, clients can identify to us that they were subject to domestic violence. Whilst we do not specifically advise clients on domestic violence caseworkers across both Child Maintenance Service and Child Support Agency are trained to be sensitive and to signpost clients to relevant organisations where appropriate.

As of 30 September 2016, there were over 6500 dedicated caseworkers working across all Child Maintenance Schemes. This number excludes team leaders and all managers who would also be able to undertake similar signposting as required.