October is domestic abuse awareness month, and the FJC is keen to ensure everyone knows about its children’s services.
Within the past year 122 Croydon primary and secondary schools (87%) have identified anti-domestic abuse and sexual violence (DASV) leads.
The DASV leads are a point of contact for anyone experiencing domestic abuse and are trained to offer advice and support to them and their families, as well as signposting them to relevant services, such as the LGBT+ anti-violence charity, Galop and Rape Crisis South London.
The training includes gaining an understanding of domestic abuse, the impacts it can have on victims and their children, how best to support them, and the services that are available within the borough.
This year a further 348 school staff have been given basic training to recognise the signs of domestic abuse. Last year 199 received this training.
Councillor Hamida Ali, cabinet member for safer Croydon and communities
“The NSPCC estimate that one in five children are growing up in a household with domestic abuse. In Croydon this is an estimated 20,000 children.
“Domestic abuse has a significant impact on children, and this training is an important way to ensure more of our young people are able to access crucial support. It also ensures staff in our schools are more confident to have conversations about this crime, and how they can help young people.”
Arts education charity, Tender, has also just started working in four Croydon schools to help promote heal
thy relationships and prevent youth violence and domestic abuse.
The two-year pilot project is running at St. Mary’s Catholic High School, Forestdale Primary School, Kingsley Primary Academy and Broadmead Primary Academy.
If you or anyone you know is affected by domestic abuse do not hesitate to call the FJC on 020 8688 0100, email fjc@croydon.gov.uk or call the National Domestic Violence Helpline (open 24/7) on 0808 2000 247. In an emergency always call 999.
