This article has been brought to you by Slough Borough Council's Education Safeguarding Professional, Zarine Power for the attention of all schools.
Domestic Abuse
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales has published a new report investigating children’s experiences of domestic abuse and highlighting the financial pressure facing specialist services. The report includes a survey of 266 domestic abuse services providing support to children, along with 168 statutory agencies responsible for commissioning domestic abuse services. Key findings include: 27% of services had to turn children away due to capacity and funding shortages; and 45% of children had to wait over a month to access a service. The report sets out the impact of living with domestic abuse on children, such as mental and physical health issues, and makes calls for: children’s voices to be centred; stronger cross-departmental working and strategic leadership; and holistic funding.
Read the report: Thousands of children facing domestic abuse alone as support services risk financial collapse