One humorous, seasonal card presently doing the rounds features the legend 'women and turkeys against Christmas' - a rather poor joke for the hundreds of women who were beaten last Christmas and know that they will almost certainly be beaten again at least once before the end of this month; worse still for their children who will watch and learn.

Family practitioners know only too well that those seasons assumed to be a time for happy families give rise to a steady stream of cases where women and children end up in refugees recovering from domestic violence.At this particular time of year the profession should ask what it can do to ease this situation.

It is easy to blame the court system and to feel we simply cannot respond quickly enough, but do lawyers really think carefully about how to improve the situation for the consumers of our service?We can do more, and there are a number of factors which mean that 1996 could and should be the year in which the necessary changes are implemented.

The release of Sara Thornton on bail and the continuation of that bail whilst her appeal is considered indicates a significant shift in the attitude of the judiciary to the issue of violence against women.

Most importantly, it is now gradually being accepted that women do not choose to be battered and do not always have - for a myriad of practical and psychological reasons - the chance to escape.

In R v Maxine Boyce [1995], reported in December, Mr Recorder John Morris QC allowed evidence of 'battered women's syndrome' to be given in defence to a charge of possession of cocaine with intent to supply, applying R v Emery [1993] 14 Cr App R(S) 394.The law relating to domestic violence and occupation of the family home has often been criticised, particularly for its confusing complexity and lack of integration.

However, it is hoped that the Family Homes and Domestic Violence Bill will become law in 1996.

This should simplify the law and bring it into the 1990s.High street solicitors can improve the service to women and children who seek advice on domestic incidents in a number of ways.

At TG Baynes & Sons, a domestic violence unit has been set up under the control of the head of the matrimonial department, John Wigginton.

Five solicitors, supported by legal and secretarial staff in five offices, provide this service for women in south-east London.The firm's legal aid franchise has made a big difference.

Through the use of devolved powers, the firm can offer a speedier service, which is what the clients need.

Its domestic vio lence pack comprises a standard domestic violence questionnaire for use by fee-earners when taking instructions, a client booklet written in plain English explaining how the law can help, and standard orders and applications all available on computer.TG Baynes & Sons has also made a major commitment to training in this area of law.

Solicitors, legal executives, secretaries and receptionists all receive training suited to their particular level of contact with the client.

Solicitors must be prepared to make home visits in order to take instructions: it may be much more convenient for the client, particularly one with young children, to have the solicitor do the travelling.It is important to understand the role that other organisations play in helping victims of violence.

One of the benefits TG Baynes & Sons has found since the launch of its domestic violence unit has been the development of relationships and friendships with people in organisations such as the police, citizens advice bureaux and Women's Aid.

Lawyers at the firm are frequently asked to give seminars and invited to various meetings, conferences and even a children's Christmas party at a local refuge.

The image of the legal profession is not all that it should be at present, but perhaps with more actual participation in the community this image may be enhanced, at least at a local level.

The zero tolerance campaign of a couple of years ago had a substantial impact on our society.

Now the judiciary and Parliament seem to be ready to make 1996 a better year for women and children.

Your firm can do its bit and, in the process, bring in lucrative and rewarding work.