Domestic Abuse

This week we have been talking to children about what domestic abuse is and what they can do if they have or are experiencing it.

We used the following definition to explain to children what domestic abuse is (you can use the same words to talk to your child about it at home if helpful):

Domestic abuse is any type of bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. Domestic abuse can happen in any type of relationship and can continue even after the relationship has ended.

We explained that there are different types of domestic abuse – similar to child on child harm (a safeguarding weekly theme in Term 3). These are:

• Kicking, hitting, punching
• Saying unkind things
• Not letting someone having money or stopping them from going to work to earn money (controlling finances)
• Telling someone where they can go and what they have to wear (controlling behaviour)
• Not letting someone leave the house
• Threatening to hurt someone, a pet or someone else in their family

We explained that it is normal for adults to be a bit grumpy with each other at times, as everyone gets frustrated at things, this doesn’t mean it is domestic abuse.

We reminded children about their rights:

We then explained to children that it is important to speak out if they are worried about domestic abuse and reminded them that they can:

• • Talk to their 5 safe adults
  • Write a note in the class chatterbox
  • Ring Childline on 0800 1111

For information, advice and guidance on talking to your child about domestic abuse then please follow the links below:

https://www.riseuk.org.uk/get-help/parents-and-children/talking-to-your-child

https://www.womensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-domestic-abuse/

If you’re an adult experiencing domestic abuse, there are organisations that can help;

Nextlink – Domestic Violence Support for Women 

Relate

National Domestic Violence Helpline

Men’s Advice Line

National LGBTQ+ Abuse Helpline