Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse or domestic violence is defined as any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over or those who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality. Unfortunately, domestic violence is common in our society, with an estimated 2 million incidents in England and Wales.

Children do hear, they do see and they are aware of violence at home, even if you think they don’t. Children react in different ways to violence and research suggests;

Short-term effects

They may feel frightened, become withdrawn, aggressive or difficult, bed wet, run away, have problems at school, lack concentration and suffer emotional upset.

Long-term effects

Children witnessing violence are more likely to become abusers or victims later in life. Offer them a positive role model so that they learn other ways of behaving.

Many people find it difficult to understand why people stay in abusive situations. Fear, love, the risk of homelessness and money worries can make it difficult for women with children to leave and some may want to stay put and get their abuser to leave. It is your responsibility to protect your child and remove them from harm. You can seek help from a range of specialist services in Tameside. You can also report incidents to the Police.

It is important to allow the children to discuss the feelings they have about violence or abuse. Children need to know that it is not their fault and that this is not the way relationships should be. If you are preparator of domestic abuse, there is support for you to stop committing domestic abuse.