Page 42 - Getting it Right for Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire

Children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse. Definition “Domestic abuse (as gender-based abuse), can be perpetrated by partners or ex-partners of the victim and can include physical abuse (assault and physical attack involving a range of behaviour), sexual abuse (acts which degrade and humiliate women and are perpetrated against their will, including rape) and mental and emotional abuse (such as threats, verbal abuse, racial abuse, withholding money and other types of controlling 18 behaviour such as isolation from family or friends).” Brief Overview A child or young person does not have to witness domestic abuse taking place to be affected by it. The environment in which they life, the aftermath of an incident, behaviors of the individual involved including the addition of support services in their lives can all contribute to a child or young person’s functioning either physically or emotionally. ‘The effect of domestic abuse on each individual child may be different depending on their individual circumstances and may be short or long-term. The effects could be described broadly as physical, social and emotional, and behavioral and effects may be combined. Where a child or young person may be at risk of harm due to domestic abuse, child protection procedures must be initiated. Children and young people may experience violence themselves, particularly if they intervene to protect their parent or brothers and sisters. Children and young people are naturally likely to be concerned about their family members if an incident of domestic abuse has taken place. They may be worried, anxious and upset. As children and young people feel these effects they may impact on their behaviour, they may ‘act out’ or ‘internalise’ their emotions, withdrawing from relationships. All of these effects are likely to impact on the child or young person’s ability to concentrate and focus in school. Their learning, behaviour and relationships with others in school are likely to be affected. Domestic abuse is a key factor in relation to homelessness for children and young people. A child or young person may also have frequent changes in their lives, moving homes, losing belongings, leaving pets and friends behind as they move to flee from the 19 perpetrator.’ Protection and support In North Ayrshire we have a Multi-Agency Domestic Abuse Response Team (MADART) that is based in Kilmarnock Police Station. Whilst the Domestic Abuse Investigation Unit based there continue to deal with all domestic referrals across Ayrshire, the MADART will deal solely with referrals relating to the North Ayrshire area. 18 Abuse – Preventing Domestic Abuse, A National Strategy (2003) Scottish Executive italics added 19 The impact of domestic abuse on children and young people, Domestic Abuse resources and Training for schools in Scotland Getting It Right For Vulnerable Children and Young People in North Ayrshire Live V1.2 April 2014 Page No:42