This is a support service for children and young people who have been affected by domestic violence.
The aim of our children's outreach service is to help children and young poeple come to terms with their experiences through supportive and creative activities. We offer a safe environment for them to explore their feelings, thoughts and behaviours without fear of being blamed or judged. We also assist in developing safer coping strategies.
The effects of domestic violence vary depending on the individual, but often include:
It is our experience that children and young people want the following:
If you would like further information or support in this area please contact Kate on 01642 835050,or Andrea or Gina on 01642 835082.
The Childrens Outreach Team have delivered training to Surestart and the Youth Service to enable delivery of the Expect Respect Pack which is preventative Domestic Violence programme.
Expect Respect pack is available to download free from the womens aid website.
http://www.womensaid.org.uk/landing_page.asp?section=000100010028§ionTitle=Free+resources
How are children affected by domestic violence ?
The majority of children witness the violence that is occurring, and in 90% of cases they are in the same or next room (Hughes, 1992). Children can 'witness' domestic violence in many different ways. For example, they may get caught in the middle of an incident in an effort to make the violence stop. They may be in the room next door and hear the abuse or see their mother's physical injuries following an incident of violence. They may be forced to stay in one room or may not be allowed to play. They may be forced to witness sexual abuse or they may be forced to take part in verbally abusing the victim. All children witnessing domestic violence are being emotionally abused.
Are the effects the same for every child?
Children can experience both short and long term cognitive, behavioural and emotional effects as a result of witnessing domestic abuse. Each child will respond differently to trauma and some may be resilient and not exhibit any negative effects.
Children's responses to the trauma of witnessing DV may vary according to a multitude of factors including, but not limited to, age, race, sex and stage of development. It is equally important to remember that these responses may also be caused by something other than witnessing domestic violence, and therefore a thorough assessment of a child's situation is vital.
Children are individuals and may respond to witnessing abuse in different ways. These are some of the effects described in a briefing by the Royal College of Psychiatrists (2004):
Children may also feel angry, guilty, insecure, alone, frightened, powerless or confused. They may have ambivalent feelings towards both the abuser and the non-abusing parent.