Support for children and young people

Children are now legally recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, not just witnesses.

This means the impact of abuse on children is taken seriously. They should receive specialist support to help them feel safe, understood, and heard.

Experiencing or even seeing abuse can affect a child’s wellbeing, development and sense of security.

Online and digital abuse

Use private browsing and clear your history  if needed.  Women’s Aid also have some useful information on staying safe online. 

Children’s support (The Dash Charity)

Specialist children’s practitioners provide bespoke support to children staying in the Dash Charity’s refuges as well as within the community. An eight week programme of one to one support, provide children with a non-judgemental space to express themselves and their emotions, along with tools to talk, reflect, learn, recover and develop their own strength and resilience.

The Dash Charity also offer a Schools Prevention Programme, for children and young people to provide education and awareness through healthy relationship workshops in schools and youth settings. 

For more information, email info@thedashcharity.org.uk.

Safe!

Commissioned by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Safe! provides the Support After Crime Service. 

This service helps young people cope with the after effects of crime. To be supported by the Safe! team, you must be:

  • 5 to18 years old.
  • Up to 25 years, if you have additional needs.
  • Living in the Thames Valley (Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes) area.

Safe! also offer the Building Respectful Families (BRF) programme for families where children and young people are exhibiting unhealthy behaviours in their relationship with their caregivers. 

Childline

Childline offers help to children and young people by phone and online chat. 

They give guidance on how to get help and what to do if a friend is in trouble.

Operation Encompass

Operation Encompass is a safeguarding partnership between the police and schools. It ensures that when police attend an incident of domestic abuse, the child’s school or college is notified as early as possible, usually before the start of the next school day. 

This early sharing of information allows staff to provide timely support, care and understanding to help children feel safe and supported in school while maintaining their privacy and wellbeing.

Barnardo's

Barnardo's supports families affected by domestic violence. They offer therapy for children, safety planning for victims and programs to change abusive behaviour. 

Visit the Bernado's website to find services in your area.

Report a concern about a child

If you have a concern about a child or young person in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, please complete the Single Point of Access referral form. 

Single Point of Access referral form.

Further information about contact for safeguarding and wellbeing concerns relating to children and young people in RBWM can be found on the AfC website. 

The NSPCC have published advice on helping keep children safe from domestic abuse. 

Other resources