Reports in the media from Tusla and Domestic Abuse organisations are indicating a significant increase in incidents of domestic abuse during the Covid 19 pandemic. Research shows that there is a very strong link between incidences of domestic abuse and child safeguarding concerns. In light of this, it is important that we remain particularly vigilant of those in our Early Learning and Care and School Aged Childcare services who may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse occurs across society, regardless of age, gender, race, sexuality, wealth and geography. Domestic violence also includes sexual violence, including exposure to children and young people to visual material
Domestic Abuse is defined as:
“The use of physical or emotional force or the threat of physical force, including sexual violence in close adult relationships. It can also involve emotional abuse; the destruction of property, isolation from friends, family and other potential sources of support; threats to others including children; stalking; and control over access to money, personal items, food, transportation and the telephone.”
HSE Policy on Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence
Domestic abuse includes violence perpetrated by a spouse, partner, son, daughter or any other person who has a close relationship or lives with the victim.
The term ‘domestic abuse’ goes beyond physical violence and can also involve:
Some Messages from Research in Relation to Domestic Abuse
There are many risks to children who live with domestic abuse. Some of these are outlined below:
Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook 2
In an Irish Context:
Child Protection and Welfare Practice Handbook 2
If you suspect that a child or family in your service is experiencing domestic abuse, or if you have any concerns about the welfare or protection of a child in relation to domestic abuse in the household, advice must be sought from Tusla Social Work.
In this situation, services should follow their child safeguarding policies and reporting procedures, including discussing concerns with the designated liaison person (DLP) in their service.
Further Information on Domestic Abuse can be found below:
www.tusla.ie/services/domestic-sexual-gender-based-violence/
www.womensaid.ie/services/helpline.html Phone: 1800 341 900
www2.hse.ie/wellbeing/mental-health/domestic-violence-and-abuse.html
www.garda.ie/en/crime/domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse.html
www.safeireland.ie/
Services should also, where possible, have access to contact details for local domestic abuse services and share these where appropriate.
Barnardos have many resources available through their Childhood Domestic Violence and Abuse project and have also created a video which highlights the impact of Domestic Violence and Abuse on children. These resources can be viewed here:
www.barnardos.ie/resources/childhood-domestic-violence-abuse