Children and Domestic Abuse
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 has made a significant impact on how children are treated as victims of domestic abuse. Under this legislation, children who witness domestic abuse are now recognised as victims in their own right, regardless of whether they were present during the violent incidents.
Even if they are not physically harmed, children may experience emotional and psychological damage as a result of witnessing domestic abuse. Every child has the right to feel safe in their own home.
Our service is informed by Essex Police if the police are called to a home for a domestic abuse incident and there are children in the home. This is so that our colleagues are aware and can make contact with the victim and offer an extra layer of support.
Our health visitor colleagues are there to support you if you have an under 5-year-old in the home. Our school nurse colleagues can talk to children who may be affected by domestic abuse, either at home or in school; it can be frightening and confusing for children to hear or be witness to arguments in the home.
More Information
Short-term effects of domestic abuse on children
For young children this can include:
- Bed-wetting.
- Increased sensitivity and crying.
- Difficulty sleeping or falling asleep.
- Separation anxiety
For school aged children this can include:
- A loss of drive to participate in activities and school.
- Lower grades in school.
- Feeling guilty and to blame for the abuse happening to them.
- Getting into trouble more often.
- Physical signs such as headaches and stomach aches.
For teenagers this can include:
- Acting out in negative ways such as missing school or fighting with family members.
- Having low self-esteem.
- Finding it difficult to make friends.
- Engaging in risky behaviours such as using alcohol and other drugs.
Long-term effects of domestic abuse on children:
- Mental health problems, such as becoming anxious or depressed. Low mental health can also lead to big impacts on physical health, including self-harm or developing an eating disorder.
- Having a lowered sense of self-worth.
- Using alcohol and other drugs as unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Repeating behaviours seen in their domestic setting.
Our colleagues in the health visiting and school nurse teams are here to help and support you if you have any questions or concerns about your child.
You can contact your local Team on
- Mid Essex Tel: 0300 247 0014
- North Essex Tel: 0300 247 0015
- South Essex Tel: 0300 247 0013
- West Essex Tel: 0300 247 0122
Further information from Essex Child and Family Wellbeing Service
- Domestic Abuse
- Relationships and Domestic Abuse