The Harrow Domestic Violence Forum has wide membership from a range of local groups, organisation and agencies in the statutory and voluntary sector. The multi-agency Domestic Violence Steering Group has a number of sub groups which work together to deliver the domestic violence outcomes in the Community Safety Partnership Plan. This strategic plan is monitored by the Safer Harrow Management Group. There are close links with the LSCB due to the prevalence and level of harm that domestic violence causes children.

The main characteristic of domestic violence is that the behaviour is intentional and is calculated to exercise power and control within a relationship. Domestic violence occurs across society regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography.

A child that is physically hurt during a domestic violence incident, who witnesses domestic abuse by seeing it and/or hearing it is likely to suffer harm in terms of impairment to their health and development and is in need of protection.

The following are ways in which professionals can work better together to help protect children at risk of abuse and neglect as a result of domestic violence:

Without timely intervention and support the lifelong impact of domestic violence on a childcan be immense.

Domestic Violence in families is a factor that places children and young people at risk of significant harm. Children can be exposed to domestic violence incidents between their parents and/or respective partners and others living in their family/household. Domestic violence incidents are physically and emotionally abusive and neglectful for a child.

For further information on Domestic Violence support and services, please contact the Domestic Violence Co-ordinator, Jodie Darge, on 020 8736 6285 or email Jodie.Darge@harrow.gov.uk

www.womensaid.org.uk provides help and support for anybody worried about or suffering from Domestic Violence and offers a free 24 hours a day telephone helpline