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What can schools and social care workers do to help children affected by domestic violence? Large numbers of children are affected by domestic violence. The problem crosses every social class and culture. It causes distress and anxiety in children and adversely affects their learning and play, as well as their behaviour, wellbeing and attendance. Education staff may know of a child or family in crisis, want to help, yet feel outside their comfort zone, grappling with a complex issue not covered in their training. This book describes the impact of domestic violence on children and provides support for education and social care professionals. It takes heavy workloads into account and suggests practical ways of meeting the needs of pupils who come from difficult home backgrounds. The authors provide guidance and advice on: identifying and responding to signs of distress helping pupils to talk about and make sense of their experiences the impact on parenting and how parents can be supported the needs of young people in refuges and temporary accommodation pupil safety and government safeguarding guidelines educating young people and the community about domestic violence specialist domestic violence services and other agencies that support schools. Domestic Violence and Children draws on the expertise of a wide range of professionals, including specialist domestic violence children’s workers and counsellors, psychologists, teachers, mentors and family support workers. It provides essential help and information to all children’s service directorates, as well as a range of professionals in education, social care, health and the voluntary sector. Abigail Sterne is a former secondary school teacher and year head and is now an educational psychologist in Oldham, UK. Liz Poole is a former primary school teacher and is now an educational psychologist in Oldham, UK. @contents: Selected Contents : 1. Introduction and Background - Children Living with Domestic Violence 2. The Impact on Babies and Young Children 3. The Impact on School-Aged Children 8. Engaging and Supporting Parents 12. Supporting Transient Pupils and Pupils in Refuges and Temporary Accomodation 13. Safety and Confidentiality Issues 14. Looking to the Future: Educating Young People and the Community 'The authors have done a sterling job in producing a very useful and practical guide. It will certainly help all those working in schools and ealy years settings to understand, address and positively impact children's lives - particularly as those children face up to the challenges of learning in new environments, extended socialisation and new structures, as well as the significant impact of living with domestic violence.' - Lee Mtichell, head of schools service, NSPCC \" The authors have brought together a wide range of useful, practical information in a format that is accessible and readable\" - Early Years Update, Issue 78

In Part 1 we described the detrimental effect of domestic violence on parenting; in particular, how it can deprive mothers of the authority, confidence, physical and emotional strength to parent effectively. Domestic violence damages the parent-child relationship. It can make it difficult for a mother to be emotionally available, play and interact positively with her children, and impose behaviour boundaries.

Domestic violence often begins during pregnancy and presents considerable risks to women and their unborn children. Babies and very young children can suffer considerably as a result. The effects may include:• death of the baby due to premature labour, miscarriage or forced termination • poor foetal growth and consequent effects on brain development • difficulties in developing secure attachments • eating difficulties and, in extreme cases, failure to thrive • behavioural difficulties – anger, aggression and impulsivity; a more extreme startleresponse or, conversely, quiet, passive and less responsive behaviours • emotional distress such as clinginess, restlessness, irritability, nervousness andcrying • problems with socialising and sharing • distress and confusion • fear of new people and situations; fear of the perpetrator • developmental regression (especially in toileting and language) • sleep disturbances, including nightmares.

In Part 1, we have explored how domestic violence affects every aspect of a child’s education and well-being. It is identified by the government as a cause of vulnerability in children, which has a negative impact on their ability to achieve their full potential across the ‘Every Child Matters’ Five Key Outcomes. The Government aims for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to:Be healthy (i.e. physically, mentally, sexually and emotionally healthy; have a healthy lifestyle; choose not to take illegal drugs).

Chapter 2 described how domestic violence affects brain development in very young children, the emotional impact on infants and the possible longer-term effects. We now look at the range of impacts on school-aged children.

A number of professionals can support children and families who are adversely affected by domestic violence. Sometimes a school or pre-school may make a referral to request their services. Sometimes professionals may contact schools to exchange information. Some may be able to provide advice, support and training to school staff. There are regional variations in provision, so schools should familiarise themselves with their own local services.

A widely accepted definition, used by the UK government, is: ‘any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality’ (Home Office 2005a: 7).

Schools are in a unique position to reach into a community and educate people about domestic violence, relationships, forced marriage and ‘honour’- based violence. They have a legal duty to promote pupils’ moral, spiritual and social development. Education about healthy and safe relationships plays a key part.

In Chapter 2, the adverse effects of domestic violence on babies and young children were described and indicators of infant stress and trauma listed. Growing up with domestic violence can impact on an infant’s social, emotional, behavioural, speech and language and cognitive development.