Recent research has shown that a man who abuses his partner is also likely to abuse the children too, although may be many years before this abuse comes to light.

Even if the children are not directly abused they will be suffering too due to -

• Living in a tense atmosphere
• Knowing their mother is frightened or unhappy
• Witnessing violence
• Worried that their mother may die
• Thinking it is their fault
• Being unable to protect their mother
• Not wanting to bring friends home
• Not being allowed to visit grandparents
• Seeing their pets hurt or toys broken

Through fear they are unlikely to tell friends or teachers what happens at home.

They may have some noticeable problems like bed wetting, nightmares, aggressive behaviour, extreme shyness, difficulty concentrating at school, destroying toys, bullying, sleep problems, eating disorders, being cruel to smaller children or animals, sexist attitudes.

We are told that divorce is bad for children, but most child psychologists now agree that living with domestic violence is worse.  It can cause long-term problems but if the mother moves her children from the situation early enough they can and will recover.

Our team of playworkers provide

• A group work programme for children aged 5 – 15 years

• One to one support sessions based around identified needs

• Early years work group for pre-school children

• Help and advice for mothers

Children who are no longer living with abuse can join in