Help for Children and Young People
Supportive
Practical
Advice &
Confidential
Engagement
Children who are exposed to domestic abuse may develop serious emotional, behavioural, developmental and academic problems. As children, they may display acts of violence themselves or become withdrawn.
Children who have or are living in homes where there is domestic abuse may become depressed and have low self-esteem, resulting in varying degrees of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. All children are unique and will cope with their experiences in different ways.
Some of the most common observable effects are:
- Changed sleeping patterns
- Nightmares
- Bed wetting
- Withdrawn or excessively clingy behaviour
- Eating disorders
- Self harm
- Stress related illness
- Depression
- Aggressiveness
- Disruptive behaviour
- Lack of confidence
- Low self esteem
- Suicidal feelings
Others signs may be an inability to concentrate on things they would normally enjoy and a reluctance to attend school or truant, resulting in a decline in academic achievement. Research shows that those children who are supported and given an opportunity to work through their experiences show the best recovery and go on to form good relationships in adult life.
Services Available for Children
Following a referral from our adult outreach service and completion of an initial assessment, a range of services can be provided. The type of support can vary and be specifically tailored to meet the needs of each child.
A support plan can be devised in participation with the child encompassing one, or a combination of services available as part of their recovery process.
1:1 Sessions
Individual sessions can be offered to listen and talk through any worries or problems the child might have. These sessions offer quality time for children to work through difficult feelings through free expression, in a confidential environment, in order to make sense of their experiences.
Group Sessions
Children can part of a small group and engage in sessions in order to build self-esteem, boost confidence and develop social skills. These sessions offer the opportunity for children to build trusting relationships, develop their self-awareness and empathy towards others in a non-judgemental way.
Saturday Club
Children can become involved in a monthly Saturday Club and engage in play & creative art, cooking, swimming, football and other activities. This provides a great opportunity for children to meet up with friends and express themselves in a fun and safe way.
Outings
Occasional day trips can be organised during school holidays to cater for interests and hobbies identified by the children. Excursions and fun activities can provide opportunities for children to experience a range of pursuits promoting positive socialisation.
Family Work
Partnership working can be offered to families in order to support children cope with difficult home circumstances. This can be as a consultation with parents, facilitated family sessions and engagement in self-esteem and parenting group work.
General Advice and Information
Support can be offered to children and their families who just want advice and information on local services. This can be offered by meeting up informally or a chat over the phone.
Contact
Children are far more aware of domestic abuse than adults realise, or give them credit for. Even if they do not actually witness it, they hear it and can sense the atmosphere.
If you would like to discuss any concerns you may have regarding children you suspect are suffering the effects of domestic abuse, please contact us on 01737 771350.
Children’s Services (formerly known as Social Services) are the lead agency for Child Protection. If you have any concerns about the safety of a child, please contact them on: 08456 009009.
Other Useful Contacts
Childline
Free 24 Hour Helpline for Children & Young People
0800 1111
Family Line Surrey
01306 749233
Heads Together, Redhill
A free and confidential counselling service for 14-25 year olds
01737 378481
Lone Parent Helpline
Free Confidential Advice & Information
0800 0185026
NSPCC
24 Hour Child Protection Helpline
0800 800 500
NYAS-National Youth Advocacy Service
Provides children’s rights & socio-legal services and advocacy.
Freephone 0800 616101
The Hideout
Offers support to Young People living with Domestic Abuse.
www.thehideout.org.uk
Relateen (Reigate)
Offers advice for 11-25 year olds with relationship difficulties
01737 245212
www.relate.org.uk
Surrey Safeguarding Child’s Board
0300 200 1006
www.surreycc.gov.uk follow the links for children and families
