• Responding positively to disclosure of domestic/dating violence
• What happens if there is a disclosure?
• What if a child or young person gets upset during the lesson?
• What if I know a member of the group has experienced abuse?
• What should I do if I suspect a child or young person is experiencing domestic abuse?
• Why Talk Up
• Why teach about Domestic Abuse?

Frequently Asked Questions

Why teach about Domestic Abuse?

• Attitudes are made early in life;
• Many young people still think that abusing a partner is acceptable in certain circumstances;
• Many victims of domestic abuse say that they would have left earlier if they had known more about recognising an abusive relationship and where to get help;
• The skills and attitudes taught to abusers on intervention programme to stop them from abusing and controlling their partners can be taught earlier, to prevent the abuse from happening in the first place;
• Many young people are already experiencing some form of abuse in their own relationships and they tell us they want help with this;
• It helps schools to fulfil their requirement to educate for safer healthier relationships.

What happens if there is a disclosure?
It is important to be aware of the child protection policy before covering any sensitive topic within the classroom. Staff must not doubt any suspicion that a child or young person may be at risk, they should always pass their concerns to the designated person responsible for child protection. For further guidance please refer to your school’s Child Protection Policy.

What questions will they ask me?

What if a child or young person gets upset during the lesson?
You may want extra support in the lesson to help if someone gets distressed. Before starting the lesson the class could be warned that the lesson will cover sensitive issues and establish ground rules for working on this area. This should reiterate issues of child protection, reinforce who they can talk to about issues/ support. The extra adult could be available to withdraw students if they need to leave.

What if I know a member of the group has experienced abuse?
You might want to warn a child or young person about the content of the lesson to let them prepare and give them the option of working elsewhere for the session, whilst also ensuring they know who can support them if they need it.

What should I do if I suspect a child or young person is experiencing domestic abuse?
It is important you do not ignore your suspicions. You could try:
• Talking to the child to ascertain if they have any problems they want to talk about
• Discuss your concerns with DSPCP in your school or a senior member of staff
• Speak to EWO service
• Discuss the issues with NSPCC helpline/ refer the child to Childline for support

Responding positively to disclosure of domestic/dating violence:
5 things to say:
1. I believe you
2. I am glad you have told me this
3. I am sorry this has happened to you
4. It is not nor never was your fault
5. We are going to do something about this together

Don’t panic, nor make promises about the future. Don’t promise confidentiality.