Issue: 11
Domestic Abuse Domestic abuse is any type of controlling, bullying, threatening or violent behaviour between people in a relationship. It can seriously harm children and young people and witnessing domestic abuse is child abuse. It's important to remember domestic abuse: can happen inside and outside the home can happen over the phone, on the internet and on social networking sites can happen in any relationship and can continue even after the relationship has ended both men and women can be abused or abusers. Domestic abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological, such as: kicking, hitting, punching or cutting rape (including in a relationship) controlling someone's finances by withholding money or stopping someone earning controlling behaviour, like telling someone where they can go and what they can wear not letting someone leave the house reading emails, text messages or letters threatening to kill someone or harm them threatening to another family member or pet.
Living in a home where domestic abuse happens can have a serious impact on a child or young person's mental and physical wellbeing, as well as their behaviour. This can last into adulthood. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are concerned about someone who may be, you can contact the following for advice and support: National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 A 24-hour free helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge. Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk) Men's Advice Line 0808 801 0327 Advice and support for men experiencing domestic abuse.
• Truancy, failing grades • Withdrawal, passivity, being compliant • Changes in mood and personality • Isolation from family and friends • Frequent texts and calls from boyfriend / girlfriend • Inappropriate sexual behaviour / language / attitudes • Depression • Pregnancy • Use of drugs / alcohol (where there was no prior use) • Self-harm • Eating disorders or problems sleeping • Symptoms of post-traumatic stress • Bullying / being bullied
If you would like support for your child because you believe they have been a victim of domestic violence please contact one of the Safeguarding team. What is teenage relationship abuse? Teenagers can experience as much relationship abuse as adults. Several independent studies have shown that 40% of teenagers are in abusive dating relationships. Domestic violence is still a ‘hidden’ issue in our society; and it is even more so for teenagers. This is exacerbated by the fact that adolescents can be more accepting of, and dismissive about, this form of behaviour than adults. Some of the signs below could indicate that a young person is experiencing relationship abuse. This list is not exhaustive and young people respond differently. These signs could also be due to other causes, but it is useful to be aware of common responses.
Safeguarding | Ashton Community Science College (ashtoncsc.lancs.sch.uk)
The Safeguarding Team
Claire Parkinson Designated Safeguarding Lead
Zoe Askew Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Debi Bradshaw Deputy Safeguarding Lead