Safer Together Apart Campaign
Our Children and Young Person Team have been involved in the Safer Together Apart campaign hosted by Hampshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner. The chosen focus for last week was domestic abuse and how children can be passive witnesses and therefore often not recognised as victims themselves. Tanya, one of our Caseworkers, featured in a video to highlight some of the activities she and her team can use to help Children from the age of four, to cope and recover after crime. The activities demonstrated by Tanya include using or making a worry eater, drawing a map of your body to identify and explore normal reactions to fears and worries, and also healthy relationships and trusted adults.
It is as important as ever for children and young people to know there is support available to them, as many have fewer interactions with family members and trusted adults. You can watch the video in full here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UP2KD6d2460&feature=youtu.be
Also involved with the campaign was our Domestic Abuse Team Leader, Sarah. Sarah communicated some of the common myths concerning domestic abuse; the reality is that domestic abuse does not discriminate and can happen in any relationship regardless of age, race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, wealth or lifestyle.
Myth: I’m not being physically hurt so it isn’t really abuse
Domestic abuse is not just physical: Psychological abuse, emotional abuse, financial abuse and coercive control have a significant adverse impact on a person’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.
Myth: There are people in worse situations than me
Every situation is different and individual to the victim so you can’t compare your experience to others. It doesn’t matter your circumstances, if you are a victim of domestic abuse no matter what form it takes, you are entitled to, and can access support and advice, whether you are still in the relationship or not.
Myth: Children only witness domestic abuse
It is a common misconception by adults that children are passive witnesses to Domestic Abuse however experiencing domestic abuse in any form can have significant long term harmful effects on children and young people.
Myth: Domestic abuse is something that happens to women
Domestic abuse does not discriminate. Anyone can experience domestic abuse irrespective of age, race, gender identity, sexuality, disability, wealth or lifestyle. This perception can be one of many barriers males face in relation to accessing support services.
To see more of the Safer Together Campaign you can visit the Police and Crime Commissioners website on the following link.
https://www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/safer-together-apart-week-3
