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Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children
Domestic violence does not only affect the health and well being of abused women but it also affects any children that may live with her. Children may be either being directly abused by the perpetrator of the domestic violence (research shows this happens in up to 60% of cases) and/or be affected by witnessing domestic violence. In 90% of incidents children are either in the same room or the next room during an assault on their mother (Hughes 1992). 73% of children directly witness the violent assaults on their mothers, including 10% whose mothers are sexually abused (NCH Action for Children study done by Abrahams 1994).
Protecting
Children
Children's Services is all about promoting
the welfare of children and families; the child's needs are of paramount
importance to us, and sometimes we need to act to ensure that the child is
safeguarded.
Child abuse is when a child is unrightfully treated in a way
that is against the law. Child Abuse is segmented into four categories:
What is Child Abuse?
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Physical Abuse - where someone injures or
harm a child; this includes hitting, shaking, throwing, scalding, drowning or
suffocating
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Sexual Abuse - where someone forces or
entices a child or young person to take part in sexual activities; this can
also include involving children into looking at pornographic material or
encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways.
-
Emotional Abuse - where someone persistently
treats a child in ways that severly affects his or her emotional development;
this includes making the child feel frightened or in danger, making the child
feel insecure or feel worthless and unloved.
-
Neglect - where adults fail to meet the
child's basic needs, which can damage his or her health and development; this
includes failing to provide food, shelter, clothing, medical care, failing to
protect fron harm or leaving alone.
Remember, that the welfare of the Child is
paramount at all times, we don't want you to catagories a child, but if you feel
that a child is being wrongfully treated, in maybe one or more of the ways
above, you need to contact us.
How do I know if I am right to be worried about a
child?
You may be worried or afraid about sharing the
concerns you have, and what will happen as a result - especially when you may be
in contact with the family. You may not be sure that a child is actually
being harmed, or thing that you do not have enough information to pass on...
But remember...
Unless you tell somone, there can be no way of
checking whether or not that child is in need of help, and abuse may
continue. You may have a key peice of information that will help
Children's Services to make the best decisions about a child.
Your referral may also ensure that support and
assistant is given to a family.
If you are unsure about whether or not to
make a referral, you can talk over your concerns with the duty social
worker, and decide together what is the best course of action for the
child.
What do I do if a child tells me they are being
harmed?
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If a child wants to talk to you, give him or her time and space; listen
to the child carefully - and in private if possible. BUT don't try and
investigate yourself; don't question the child at length, or put words in
their mouth. Reassure the child, and tell them that they are not to
blame in any way.
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Write down exactly what you have seen or heard; use the
child's own words. Write down what you have said as well.
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Don't promise to keep anything a child tells you a secret, as you have a responsibility to disclose information to those who need to know. Reporting concerns is not a betrayal of trust
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If you work with children, contact your line
manager immediately. If you don't, contact Children's Services.
Child Protection Contact Details
Newtown: 01686 617 520
Brecon: 01874 614 030
Out of Hours: 0845 757 3818 |
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