Help for schools and youth settings

Supporting children and young people experiencing domestic abuse is crucial for their safety and well-being.

• 1 in 5 children will have lived with domestic abuse by the time they turn 18.
• By the time they start primary school at least one child in every classroom will have lived with domestic abuse since they were born.

• Awareness and Training:
  Ensure that all staff are trained to recognise signs of domestic abuse and understand how to respond appropriately.
• Safeguarding Policies:
  Implement and regularly update safeguarding policies that specifically address domestic abuse.
• Designated Safeguarding Leads (DSLs):
  Have trained DSLs who can act as the main point of contact for domestic abuse concerns, equipped to provide or coordinate appropriate support and referrals. Become a domestic abuse champion.
• Support Services:
  Be aware of local domestic abuse support services the referral pathway. and making a MARAC referral for high risk cases. Have information readily available for young people and families about where to seek help.

• Safe Environment:
  Create a safe and supportive environment where young people feel comfortable disclosing abuse, including spaces where they can talk to trusted adults.
• Support local campaigns:
  Take action by raising awareness in your setting with the Know, See, Speak Out Campaign and Don’t Disrespect Campaign.
• Further information:
  For schools and services about domestic abuse is available on KELSI.  Visit our Take action to End Domestic Abuse page.

• Education and Prevention:
  Incorporate education about healthy relationships and domestic abuse into the curriculum to help them recognise abusive behaviours – Healthy Relationships professionals resource

• Operation Encompass:
  Ensure the Key Adult responsible for Operation Encompass, which involves sharing information
  from police to schools, are able to provide timely support to children who have witnessed or
  experienced domestic abuse.