Policy into practice - Domestic abuse
Anne Longfield
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
The issue: The effects of domestic abuse on young people can be long lasting. More than a quarter experience depression, anger, guilt and low self- esteem later in life. About 750,000 children a year witness abuse at home, according to the Department of Health.
The government is proposing to teach children about the values of non-violent relationships and the issues surrounding domestic abuse in the latest reform of personal, social and health education (PSHE) lessons on the National Curriculum. Many young people still grow up without ever having witnessed successful personal relationships based on respect and mutual understanding. Not only should these lessons help to reinforce the importance of healthy personal relationships, I hope they have a major impact in breaking intergenerational cycles of abuse in the home.
CASE STUDY 1
Women's Aid has created a space for children on the web at www.thehideout.org.uk to help spread understanding about domestic abuse and how to take positive action.
The award-winning website has more than 390 members and has had 50,000 visitors in 2008/09. It includes forums where young people can share their views and stories, as well as links to helplines such as ChildLine.
The Hideout is supported by a range of celebrities who post up their own messages of support, including Girls Aloud, Will Young, Gordon Ramsay and actors from the TV soap Hollyoaks.
With a host of interactive games to play, as well as a clever button that "disguises" the page as the CBBC website in one click, The Hideout is a modern hand of support for some of the most vulnerable young people.
CASE STUDY 2
The Greater London Domestic Violence Project set up the Children and Young People's Project (CYPP) three years ago. Through consulting and conducting research with young people, CYPP has launched several community group programmes to train more social workers and care advisers for vulnerable young people.
Its research showed that young people were not fully aware of who to turn to in abusive situations. So the project has issued a How to help your mates leaflet with suitable courses of action for young people to take when they suspect their friends are suffering or witnessing abuse.
A few thousand leaflets are printed every week for schools and youth groups that request them. The website also includes an e-forum for professionals working with children and domestic violence to provide peer support and share good practice.
Anne Longfield is chief executive of 4Children
