Next Step Children

Children

Research shows that children who live with domestic abuse typically know that it is happening.

According to a report by Professor Audrey Mullender* what children see or hear when one of their parents is being abused can not only include physical violence but also emotional abuse and put-downs, threats and intimidation sexual jealousy and abuse. They may be in the next room listening or lying awake in bed or they pick up the atmosphere the next day.

Children can be affected in different ways by living with domestic abuse, there is no predictable pattern. Some come through relatively unscathed, but many are likely to be affected by the fear, disruption and distress in their lives.

It is not surprising them that a 2003 study revealed that in more half the cases researched it was something that their children said or did that caused the woman concerned to seek help.

And help is available in South Derbyshire for those affected who have children....

South Derbyshire CVS Family Domestic Abuse Service

The South Derbyshire CVS Family Domestic Abuse Service supports families where there are children affected by Domestic Abuse situations.

We do this by:

• Listening to you and assessing your needs.
• Referring you to appropriate services in the community that will meet your needs.
• Liasing with other services on your behalf.

Who can use the service?

Families affected by Domestic Abuse where there are children aged 0 - 16.

When does it run?

Individual appointments are available Monday to Friday 9:00am - 4:30pm.

Where does it operate?

The service is based at 46 - 48 Grove Street, Swadlincote but is committed to serving the whole of South Derbyshire.

How much will it cost?

Nothing, the service is free.

Contact:

Jacqui Howell, Family Support Co-ordinator (Domestic Abuse), tel: 01283 219761 or Email: jacquih@sdcvs.org.uk

Tackling Domestic Violence: providing Support for Children Who Have Witnessed Domestic Violence by Professor Audrey Mullender, University of Warwick.

Women's Aid

Women's Aid, the key national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children, has produced a website for children and young people affected by domestic abuse www.thehideout.org.uk to help them to understand domestic abuse and how to take positive action if it's happening to them.

Domestic abuse - it can hit anyone