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Children and young people EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC ABUSE: Guidance Note for Planners
Ministerial Foreword
Our vision is for every child and young person in Scotland, whatever their circumstances, to be safe, nurtured, healthy, achieving, active, respected, responsible and included.
It is estimated that around 100,000 children and young people in Scotland may be affected by domestic abuse. The National Strategy to Address Domestic Abuse in Scotland (2000) acknowledged the impact that domestic abuse can have on lives of children and young people; on their emotional well-being, their physical health, their education and their lifestyles. There is correlation between domestic abuse and the physical and sexual abuse of children. Children and young people affected by domestic abuse tell us themselves of their feelings of guilt, shame, anger, fear and helplessness.
Since January 2003 we have provided additional funding of almost 0.5 million to ensure that every Women's Aid group in Scotland has at least one dedicated children's worker. Research confirms positive examples of local service provision for children and young people affected by domestic abuse, but also that these services are not consistent between areas of Scotland and that provision is often insecure.
Revised Scottish Executive guidance on the preparation of local Children's Services Plans encourages local agencies to ensure integrated approaches to the planning and delivery of services for all children and young people, in particular for those who are at risk or in need of additional support. This guidance note for local planners complements that guidance and draws together existing good practice and advice on meeting the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse is not acceptable in modern Scotland and we are committed, with others at national and local levels, to tackling its causes and consequences. We encourage local children's services planners to consider the attached guidance note and to ensure that the needs of children and young people affected by domestic abuse are reflected in their strategic plans and local service delivery.
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Euan Robson MSP
Deputy Minister for Education | Johann Lamont MSP
Deputy Minister for Communities and Young People |
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