Nursery World - Opinion: In my view

Every year at least 750,000 children become the victims of domestic violence.

In many cases children will be close by when their parents argue, scream or fight. Frequently they are in a nearby room and will hear the verbal abuse or blows being landed. Sometimes they get caught up in the violence or are forced to witness harrowing scenes that can leave them emotionally scarred. Many children get injured when they try to protect one of the adults, particularly a vulnerable mother who is pregnant. Cases of domestic violence often start at this stage, putting babies at risk even before they are born.

But help will usually focus just on the adults, while the child victims are left to cope as best they can; children are even excluded from the definition of domestic violence in England. This is why the NSPCC's latest campaign is highlighting the effects of domestic violence on children.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included