The cycle of domestic violence can be broken

Children who live in households in which abuse takes place often struggle with a range of psychological issues, from feelings of insecurity and fear to frustration and guilt. Many of these children's futures depend on specialist professionals who are qualified to deal with their complex needs and help them grow into adulthood.

The Children and Young People programme, developed by a partnership comprising Women's Aid, Children in Need and other third sector bodies, works through discussion and therapeutic play to support children affected by domestic violence to express their feelings.

The Helping Hands component of the programme works with seven- to 11-year-olds over a 10-week period and uses art to build self-confidence and self-esteem. Meanwhile, the No Fear project provides support to teenagers through education on healthy relationships and group discussion on effective conflict resolution and other relationship issues that they can apply to their own home lives and to future adult relationships. In both components, the emphasis is on discussing freely the impact of domestic violence and the right of children and young people to be safe, secure and free from harm.