An information booklet to increase awareness about domestic violence and abuse among people working with children and young people is now available.

Domestic violence and abuse affects one in four women and one in six men during their lifetime. More than 750,000 children a year witness domestic abuse. In 90 per cent of cases, the children were in the same or the next room. It is also estimated that over 60 per cent of children living with domestic abuse are directly harmed by the perpetrator.

In Rushmoor and Hart, over 2,000 calls are made to the police each year as a result of domestic abuse.
The booklet, called “Domestic violence and abuse – information for schools, pre-schools and toddler groups,” is produced by the North East Hampshire Domestic Violence Forum, and has recently been updated and reissued.

Cllr John Kennett, Chair of the Safer North Hampshire community safety partnership * said: “It is appalling to realise how many people are affected by domestic violence and abuse, and saddening to know how many children witness the abuse of a parent, or even suffer abuse alongside them. Everyone working with children in schools, pre-schools or nurseries or toddler groups, should read this booklet so they can better spot the warning signs and how they can help people affected by this pervasive problem.”

The booklet covers issues such as when a child may be affected by abuse, key messages from children about what they want and when children need to move schools as a result of abuse. It also has sections on legal issues, dating violence, Internet and social networking dangers and cultural issues such as forced marriage and children who abuse their parents.

The booklet is available by clicking here or by contacting Karen Evans on Karen.evans.44335@hampshire.pnn.police.uk for hard copies.