Enabling Disclosure Enabling disclosure for victims of DAV Many victims want to tell someone about the abuse or want to be asked. Enabling them to tell or knowing when to ask is something professionals can make easier for victims by doing some or all of the following:- Before you begin to discuss domestic abuse it is important to consider whether it is safe. You should ask the following questions:-
The service provides psychological therapies and interventions for children and young people experiencing significant psychological distress as a result of being a victim of (or exposed to) domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. It will operate as part of a pathway for domestic abuse and/or sexual violence. Service aims: reduce the trauma and psychological distress experienced by children and young people who have been victims of (or affected by) domestic abuse and/or sexual violence reduce propensity toward re-victimisation through increased resilience and relationship behaviour increase awareness of domestic abuse, sexual violence and abusive relationships amongst service users improve the health, psychological wellbeing and general functioning of children and young people affected by domestic abuse and/or sexual violence support non-offending parents/guardians in aiding their child’s recovery from trauma (where appropriate) to be child and young person focused Eligible service users are: Proven resident of Peterborough Be experiencing or have previously experienced domestic abuse and/or sexual violence SASP (advice and support service available to all Peterborough victims; any age, male or female) Tel: 01733 552200 / 894455 Helpline: 103 123 Website: Email: Perpetrator Support Peterborough City Council use two organisations who deliver perpetrator support programmes: Bold Peterborough Relationship Support (PRS) Bold Moves offer the following programmes: Safer Relationships A 10-session work programme for male offenders (20 hours), covering how to better manage conflict situations, how to recognise negative or abusive behaviours and how to improve communication and emotional control in intimate partner relationships. The programme supports men to take responsibility for change and to identify the impact of their behaviour on their relationships, themselves and their wider family. Family Man (child centred programmed) A 10-session group work programme (20 hours) supporting fathers develop child centred parenting skills. It identifies the amount of patience parenting requires, the impact that conflict between parents has on children and focuses on rebuilding trust, children’s developmental stages, learning how to give praise, positively manage difficult parenting situations and how to make good parenting decisions.
•Children as young as 18 months became upset and distressed during angry exchanges between parents. Areas of Development Impacts of Domestic Violence Warning Signs Stage 2: The child from 3 - 4 years Health A parent suffering from domestic violence may be limited in capacity to protect their child from physical danger and provide a child with feelings of safety. This may be demonstrated by a poor physical condition of the child: The child may appear unfed or unwashed and; Have marked development problems especially in language Poor physical neglected condition; Signs of current or previous physical abuse of the child; Poor language skills; Sleep problems; Delayed toileting; Frequent visits to the GP and hospital. Intellectual Development The child may show a lack of interest in their environment and poor intellectual development. •Children living in a violent environment may be too frightened to show inquisitive behaviour. •Their attendance at pre- school facilities may be disrupted because an abused parent may wish to conceal the evidence of domestic violence Little awareness and/or understanding of their environment; Problems relating to other children. Identity Children of this age often blame themselves for their parents' problems Reports from abused parents suggest that infants who witness domestic violence try to protect their parent. Children may be harmed by trying to intervene. Little awareness and/or understanding of their environment; Family and Social Relations The child may experience: •lnconsistent parenting •Emotional unavailability •Exposure to inappropriate carers and separation This can children to become fearful or unnaturally vigilant believing they are in continual danger. Children may develop inappropriate behaviour and insecure attachments through apathy and disinterest in their environment. Alternatively they may exhibit controlling behaviour, which can be accompanied by inner turmoil. Overly aggressive and bullying behaviour of Controlling behaviour over siblings; imitating inappropriate sexual behaviour; Withdrawn from conversation and has difficultly expressing feelings.
Forced Marriage Areas of Development Impacts of Domestic Violence Warning Signs Health ln forced marriage one or both of the spouses do not consent to the marriage or consent is extracted duress. Duress includes both physical and emotional pressure. Forced marriage is primarily, but not exclusively an issue of violence against women. There is evidence to suggest that 15% of victims are males. Young people are risk of: •Rape/sexual assault •Physical assault •Kidnapping •Threats to kill Substance misuse Depression Anorexia Low self esteem Reports of domestic violence or breaches of the peace at the family home Family disputes Unreasonable restrictions arrest' Education Young people at risk of forced marriage are frequently withdrawn from education, restricting their educational and personal development. These factors can contribute to: •lmpaired social development •Limited career and educational opportunities •Financial dependence and lifestyle restrictions. Family history of older siblings leaving education and marrying early Truancy Decline in performance/punctuality Low motivation at school Poor exam results Being withdrawn from school by those with parental responsibility Not allowed to attend extra curricular activities Identity Parents who force their children to marry often justify their behaviour as protecting their children: •Building stronger families •Preserving cultural or religious traditions. Family history of older siblings leaving education and marrying early Truancy Decline in performance/punctuality Low motivation at school Poor exam results