What You Need to Know

Introduction

As part of the All Wales School Liaison Core Programme, pupils are encouraged to consider what happens when abuse becomes a feature of some relationships and to consider how to ensure they do not become victims themselves. As parents our concerns for the health and well being of our children are paramount. This concern extends to their own relationships with others as well as with their experiences as members of their own families. In Wales in 2010 4,782 children and young people were involved in cases of domestic abuse. In fact, 2,700 children (including unborn children) were on child protection registers in March 2010.

In the situation where the abuse is occurring within the home, children and young people are identified as victims.

These children are protected by laws related to child protection and safeguarding.

Any person can be a victim of abuse regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, religious group, class, disability or lifestyle.

Definition

Domestic abuse can be defined as;

any incident or pattern of coercion or threatening behaviours, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults aged 16 or over, who are or who have been intimate partners, dating or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.

Domestic abuse is very common. More than one in four women (28%) and around one in six men (16%) has experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. Domestic abuse is not a ‘one-off’ occurrence; It is frequent and persistent.