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. Domestic abuse can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or psychological.

It can be difficult to tell if domestic abuse is happening and those carrying out the abuse can act very different when other people are around. Children and young people might also feel frightened and confused, keeping the abuse to themselves.

Operation Encompass is a police and education early information sharing partnership, enabling schools and colleges to offer immediate support for young people experiencing domestic abuse.

If officers have attended a domestic abuse incident they will inform the College’s Designated Safeguarding Lead or Deputies prior to the start of the next College day. The sharing of this information will enable the early implementation of support for young people.

Support for children, young people and families:

NSPCC
You can call for information and advice on 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk

Childline
Childline can be contacted 24/7. Calls to 0800 1111 are free and confidential.
Children can also contact Childline online.

Support for parents/carers

United Against Violence and Abuse (UAVA)
https://www.castertoncollege.com/force_download.cfm?id=819
http://www.uava.org.uk/

Relate
0300 003 0396
You can talk to Relate about your relationship, including issues around domestic abuse.

National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
A 24 hour free helpline run in partnership between Women's Aid and Refuge.

Men's Advice Line
0808 801 0327
Advice and support for men experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline
0800 999 5428
Emotional and practical support for LGBT+ people experiencing domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse, Revovering Together (DART™) is a therapeutic service for mothers and children who have experienced domestic abuse. (see NSPCC website)