The following is an extract from Manchester’s integrated multi-agency protocol, Working Together to Safeguard Children from Domestic Abuse, which you can find on the Manchester Children’s Safeguarding Board website at  www.manchesterscb.org.uk

“The exposure to domestic violence between adults within a family is now recognised as always being emotionally abusive to children although the impact on an individual child may vary. More subtly abusive behaviour in families (such as depriving of food, denigrating, humiliating and threatening behaviour) is also emotionally abusive and may not come to the notice of outside agencies. For some children the harm they experience will be “significant”.

Domestic abuse generates feelings of uncertainty, loss, helplessness and traumatic stress in adults and children on the receiving end of it, whilst reinforcing feelings of power and control in the perpetrator. Children are likely to be affected by fear, distress and disruption to their family life. Additionally, children living with domestic abuse are more likely to experience direct physical and sexual assault and they may also witness their mother/carer being abused in the same way (McGee 2000).

Domestic abuse affects the way children are parented. In almost a third of cases, domestic abuse of women begins and escalates during pregnancy, which may result in miscarriage, premature birth, foetal injury or death. Where there has been domestic abuse in a relationship, the risk of serious injury and death increases at the point of the victim separating from the perpetrator and reconciliation or any contact can also be extremely risky as highlighted in ….(a recent) Serious Case Review.

The experience of domestic abuse affects child development in a range of ways and is likely to seriously affect the ability of children to achieve the 5 outcomes identified in Every Child Matters. Staff must therefore work together with families, communities and children themselves, in order to safeguard children from domestic abuse, and its consequences on their life chances and health.”

The impact of domestic abuse on children in relation to achieving the 5 Outcomes

To be healthy

Places additional pressure on children as they are developing. Causes trauma responses that can affect emotional and social well-being. Leads to more extremes of behaviour such as risk taking and self-harm.

To stay safe

Puts children and young people at increased risk of physical and/or sexual abuse by the perpetrator Increases the risk of being killed by the perpetrator Means that children do not feel safe in their own home..

To enjoy and achieve

Places additional responsibilities on children and young people. Leads to disrupted school attendance. Affects the capacity to learn Makes it hard to relax and have fun.

To make a positive contribution

Affects how and what children learn about relating to each other. Can push children and young people into parenting their own siblings and/or parents. Influences the way children think about whom they are and how they feel about their future.

To achieve economic well-being

Places children and young people at risk of economic hardship. Increases the chance of moving away from family support and community infrastructure.