Children at Risk

There are many risks to children who live with Domestic Violence including:

• Direct Abuse
• Intervening in domestic violence and suffering injury
• Witnessing domestic violence
• Hearing the ill treament of another

This can have both short and long term impacts on emotional and physical well-being

Assessment and Intervention

When a professional becomes aware of domestic violence in a family, they need to respond effectively whether a child or mother disclose or not.

1. Make an immediate decision where a child or mother need treatment from emergency services or protection 
2. Consult with your agencies nominated safeguarding children lead to assess the child/ren's risk
3. In consultation with your safeguarding lead and your line manager, decide what action to take to support the child/ren and mother
4. If there is a child under 12 months (including unborn child) in the family (even if the child was not present) you need to make an automatic referral to Children's Services
5. The level of risk will increase if there are children under the age of seven in the family as they are more vulnerable and are not able to implement safety strategies
6. The level of risk will increase if there is a child or mother with special needs as the child, mother or other children in the family may not be able to implement safety strategies
7. If the mother is a vulnerable adult refer to the Safeguarding Adults Team
8. Record the information and the source of the information

For further information and support for your agency, contact the Violence Against Women and Girls Coordinator:

Sarah Kurylowicz

sarah.kurylowicz@harrow.gov.uk