Domestic abuse affects the whole family. While the impact on adult victims is often recognised, children and young people can also experience significant emotional, behavioural, and developmental effects when living with or witnessing abuse.
Children who have experienced domestic abuse may feel frightened, confused, isolated, or responsible for what is happening around them. Many learn to cope by hiding their feelings, becoming highly independent, or taking on caring roles within the family. Whilst these strategies may help them manage difficult situations in the short term, they can affect their confidence, emotional wellbeing, relationships, and education over time.
The good news is that with the right support, children and young people can recover, build resilience, and develop healthy, positive relationships for the future.
At DAVSS, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to feel safe, understood, and supported. Our specialist programmes help children and young people make sense of their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and recognise that the abuse they witnessed or experienced was never their fault.
How DAVSS Supports Children & Young People
DAVSS provides free, confidential support for children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
Our programmes are delivered by experienced, trauma-informed facilitators who are fully trained and enhanced DBS checked. Sessions are designed to be engaging, supportive, and tailored to meet individual needs, including those of children with additional learning needs, reading difficulties, social anxiety, or other challenges.
We work closely with parents, schools, and partner agencies to ensure children receive the support they need in a safe and nurturing environment.
Our support includes:
Children’s Recovery Programme
For Children Aged 6–10
Our Children’s Recovery Programme supports children who have lived in households affected by domestic abuse and are no longer living within the abusive environment.
Drawing on recognised programmes including the Children’s Freedom Programme, PAACE, and ACE Recovery Toolkit approaches, sessions are tailored to meet the needs of each child.
Programme Format
Children can attend either:
What Children Learn
Through age-appropriate discussions, games, crafts, videos, and creative activities, children are supported to:
Activities are designed to be engaging, fun, and therapeutic, helping children feel safe whilst learning important life skills.
Outcomes
The programme aims to help children:
DAY Programme (Domestic Abuse Awareness for Youth)
For Young People Aged 10–16
The DAY Programme helps young people explore the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships, empowering them to recognise abuse and make informed choices.
Using interactive discussions, activities, videos, quizzes, and real-life scenarios, the programme encourages young people to think critically about relationships, respect, consent, and personal boundaries.
Topics Covered
Outcomes
Young people who complete the programme gain:
The programme can be delivered in community settings, schools, and youth groups, and can be adapted to meet the needs of different age groups.
Supporting Recovery Through ACE & PAACE Approaches
Our work is informed by understanding the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
By helping children and families understand how trauma can affect thoughts, feelings, behaviour, and relationships, we support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.
This approach helps children and families:
We Are Here to Help
Every child experiences domestic abuse differently, and every child recovers in their own way.
With the right support, children and young people can move beyond the impact of domestic abuse, develop confidence, build healthy relationships, and look forward to a safer future.
If you would like to discuss support for a child or young person, please contact DAVSS on programmes@davss.org.uk to find out more about our specialist programmes and how we can help.
