Domestic abuse is one of the violence against women and girls crimes that stems from gender inequality. Whilst anybody, regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity or any other identity, can experience domestic abuse, it is women and children that suffer the most serious consequences of this crime. For example, 1 in 4 women experience domestic abuse in their lifetime in the UK (Women’s Aid). Nearly 2 out of 3 children exposed to domestic abuse are also directly harmed, according to SafeLives.

Domestic abuse is a deeply embedded issue within our society that can be overcome through attitudinal change, education and robust safeguarding procedures. With the Domestic Abuse Bill (currently draft) recognising children as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, all agencies have a role to play in the long-term prevention of domestic abuse.

We encourage schools to use the whole-school approach in addressing domestic abuse. As a result, schools can access a number of tools and resources to inform their teaching and learning, policies, staff professional development and wellbeing as well as the ways in which they are working with families.