How might these experiences affect my child/ren? - Children's experience of domestic violence - You and your children - Domestic Violence Forum - The London borough of Barking and Dagenham.

You and your children

Children's experience of domestic violence

How might these experiences affect my child/ren?

Children, like adults, are individuals who may react in many different ways to their experiences of domestic violence.

Some children may feel frightened, nervous, insecure and alone. Some may also feel responsible and may need to be reassured that none of the violence or abuse is their fault. They may also need to be reassured that they are not responsible for ending the violence/abuse. They also need to know that the violence/abuse is not your fault either.

Try to be as honest and open as you can with your children and if you are making decisions which affect them try to give them appropriate information about what is happening e.g. if you are leaving home to go into a refuge try to explain what that may involve.

Be careful that you do not tell them things that you do not want your abuser to know if there is a risk of them repeating what you have said to your abuser and this could put you and/or them at risk. You can talk to specialist advisors about this. (e.g. from the National Domestic Violence Helpline).
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Try not to have detailed discussions about the violence when your children are present as this could be frightening for them. If you are attending interviews that relate to your experiences of domestic violence try to arrange childcare in order to avoid being put into situations where you are unable to have adequate conversations about your experiences because of your children's presence.

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Contact
London Borough of Barking
and Dagenham Direct

Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm.

Tel: 0208 215 3000
Tel: 0208 227 5755
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk

Barking and Dagenham Domestic Violence Forum