“At least 750,000 children a year witness domestic violence.” (Dept. of Health, 2002)

Children who witness domestic violence are victims of abuse.

In a violent household children may get hurt in the middle of an incident while they try to make the violence stop. They may witness the violence happening in front of them or may hear the abuse in the room next door. They may be forced to take part in verbally or physically abusing the victim.

Witnessing or hearing domestic abuse incidents as well as trying to intervene can have a very serious impact on a child’s behaviour and wellbeing at any age, even if they’re not directly harmed themselves.

If you are worried about a child witnessing abuse you can contact the Northamptonshire County Council Customer Services for advice.

Tel. 0300 126 1000 (times: Monday to Friday from 8:00am to 6:00pm). For out of hours team please ring 01604 626938.

Alternatively please ring the Police at 101

NSPCC offers a national helpline service at 0808 800 5000, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to those who are concerned about a child’s safety. You can remain anonymous.

In Northamptonshire some local Domestic Abuse services offer therapeutic group work to children who have witnessed domestic violence. For more information and signposting please ring Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service (NDAS) at 03000 120 154 or send an email to info@ndas.org.  You can also contact Eve at 01604 230311.