Helping Children Affected by Domestic Violence

Specialist emotional support for children who have witnessed domestic abuse is now being provided in Sedgefield borough. Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership is supporting the new service provided by the Domestic Abuse Outreach Centre, No 31 & SODA (Survivors Of Domestic Abuse) and delivered by Sedgefield Borough Council. National statistics identify that in 90% of incidents of domestic violence a child or children are present or in an adjacent room.

Tracy Olley, Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator for Sedgefield Community Safety Partnership, explained: “The children will be supported through play therapy and encouraged to express and explore their emotions to help understand their experiences more fully. Some children are left frightened of loud noises; have a lack of trust in men, regress or even turning to self-harm or drink and drugs. We hope to help them cope with the situation better.”

Community Safety Partnership Chair, Glyn Hall, said: “There is a real need for this service. Children living in a home with an abusive parent are affected by what they see or hear, they are sometimes caught up in the violence and encouraged to join in or used in an argument. Most victims the outreach centre sees have children and we need to provide some specific support for these young people.”

For further information on the service or to speak to someone about domestic violence in confidence contact No 31 & SODA Outreach Centre on 01325 317 903 (office hrs) or 0191 586 3055 (24 hrs).