What is Domestic Violence?

The government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.  This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

• psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• financial
• emotional

This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.

Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape, and regulating their everyday behaviour.

Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

Children are now classed as victims of Domestic abuse, even if they have not witnessed the abuse themselves.  Being in the family home makes them victims.

Being exposed to domestic abuse has serious consequences for children and young people; and it can affect how they feel, think and behave in harmful way.  The Domestic Abuse Act provides guidance so that that they can access the protection and support they need to recover. 

For further support for Domestic Violence please see the below links:

Child on Parent Abuse

Children and adolescents being abusive and violent towards parents and family members is a serious issue and evidence suggests it is increasing. The abuse and/or violence can be carried out by sons and daughters against mothers, fathers, grandparents, siblings and carers.

It is easy for parents / care givers to feel guilty and ashamed when children are abusive and violent. However recent research shows that Child to Adult Violence is common – about 20% of teenagers are violent to their parents and about 10% seriously so.

Sometimes peer groups, wider society, media or a violent or absent parent will have been much more influential than you. Rather than focussing on and worrying how you are part of the problem, it is much more productive to think about how you can become part of the solution.  Sometimes there is no apparent reason why it happens.

It can be hard to find ways to keep everyone safe, including the child or adolescent whose behaviour is posing a risk to positive family relationships and safety. It can be difficult to know how to make things better.

For more support around this issue see the below links:

Operation Encompass

Percy Hedley School is a member of Operation Encompass.

Operation Encompass is a police and education early information sharing partnership enabling schools to offer immediate support for children and young people experiencing domestic abuse. Information is shared by the police with a school’s trained Key Adult (DSL) prior to the start of the next school day after officers have attended a domestic abuse incident thus enabling appropriate support to be given, dependent upon the needs and wishes of the child.

Children experiencing domestic abuse are negatively impacted by this exposure; domestic abuse has been identified as an Adverse Childhood Experience and can lead to emotional, physical and psychological harm. Operation Encompass aims to mitigate this harm by enabling immediate support, making a child’s day better and giving them a better tomorrow.

Operation Encompass directly connects the police with schools to secure better outcomes for children who are subject or witness to police-attended incidents of domestic abuse. Rapid provision of support within the school environment means children are better safeguarded against the short-, medium- and long-term effects of domestic abuse.

We are an Operation Encompass School which means we are a safe space for anyone who needs help or support.  Our Domestic Violence champions and Key Adults in school are trained to support and signpost where we can, and provide a place for our families to feel safe.

Our Key Adults in school are Rebecca Fletcher (DSL) and Corin Orr (DDSL).

Please see the below links for more information on Operation encompass: