Domestic violence and schools

Sexist language and playground banter can legitimise violence against women and should not be tolerated by schools, says an NUT pamphlet.

Stakeholder response: NUT

Steve Sinnott, NUT general secretary, said: "Domestic violence is an invisible crime but it has devastating and long term affects on the physical and mental health of those subjected to it. It may occur behind closed doors but everyone has a part to play in its eradication.

"This pamphlet is the first ever guidance for schools on domestic violence and suggests ways that teachers can address the issue across the curriculum and demonstrate to young people that violence will not be tolerated.

"Whilst there are no set symptoms displayed by children who witness domestic violence, the impact on their behaviour can be dramatic. Absenteeism, bullying, anti-social behaviour, drug and alcohol misuse, and self harm can all result.

"Teachers too can be the subject of domestic violence and it is important that they know where they can turn for help and the sort of support they should be able to expect from their employers.

"I welcome our joint work with the Home Office and the support it has given to our guidance."

Stakeholder response: ChildLine

Natasha Finlayson, ChildLine director of policy and communications, said: "Almost 2,000 children a year contact ChildLine for protection, comfort, and advice relating to their experience of domestic violence.

"Most of these callers are deeply upset and disturbed by what they see at home. Some blame one or other of the adults involved, while others may copy the violence and bully or hurt others.

"Often, children and young people lose confidence and feel guilty or embarrassed about what's happening, and try to hide the family 'secret'.

"Understandably, these young people are so over burdened that they cannot concentrate on their school work or sleep well at night. The role of schools and teachers is paramount, as for some young people school is the only refuge from a violent home.

"ChildLine knows from the children who call the helpline that a teacher or a friend at school is often the only other person to whom the caller has disclosed their problem.

"Child protection training for all teachers, alongside a comprehensive and widely understood confidentiality policy, is important, as is a peer support network, or peer counselling programme within schools.

"ChildLine in Partnership with Schools (CHIPS) helps schools to set up schemes that encourage pupils to support and help one another, and programmes of this kind could play a key role in helping and informing children who have been affected by domestic violence, especially where they feel isolated or have been forced to change schools."