Campaign launched to support children experiencing domestic abuse during lockdown
A campaign's been launched to support children experiencing domestic abuse during lockdown.
Scottish Women's Aid has released a new animation video highlighting children’s experiences of domestic abuse and encouraging them to reach out to NSPCC’s Childline for support if they want to talk about what’s going on.
Susie Dalton, Children and Young People’s Policy Officer at SWA, said:
"The powerful animation launched today comes at a key time as children experiencing domestic abuse have now had no freedom outside of the home for months. It is vital that we let them know that there is someone there to listen to them and support them if home does not feel like a safe place for them just now.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been especially difficult for these children and to have had no access to nursery, school or other community spaces will have been detrimental to their wellbeing. We are continuing to call on the Scottish Government to take action to ensure that children experiencing domestic abuse are among those granted spaces in school hubs around the country – the needs of these children and young people must not be ignored.”
Shaun Friel, Head of Childline, said:
"Over the past couple of months, our counsellors have provided support to hundreds of children living in homes where there is physical and emotional abuse. Many talk about feeling trapped and isolated, being cut off from their usual support networks.
"It is so important that these children have somewhere to turn for help. Our counsellors are there to listen to them, provide support and guide them to make decisions that are right for them.
"Childline also has a huge online community where children can get support from their peers on message-boards and can access a range of expert advice and tools."
Childline can be reached on 0800 1111 or at https://www.childline.org.uk. Scotland's domestic abuse and forced marriage helpline is also available on 0800 027 1234 or at www.sdafmh.org.uk.
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