Providing support for children affected by domestic abuse

The Royal Borough is piloting a community based support service for children aged nine to 11 years and their mothers who are affected by domestic abuse.

Called PICADA (Positive Intervention for Children Affected by Domestic Abuse), it will be provided by the council in partnership with Family Friends and East Berkshire Women's Aid.

The new support service - to start in April - will give children the opportunity to understand what has happened in their family and express their feelings in a safe and blame-free environment. Trained counsellors work with the children to prepare safety plans in case they are exposed to further abuse, either directly or indirectly.

At the same time, mothers will be able to get together and use the opportunity to understand what their child is learning so they can better support them.

Cllr Colin Rayner, lead member for highways and streetcare (with responsibility for community safety), said: "Teenagers, children and babies are all too often exposed to domestic abuse, either witnessing the abuse or by being abused themselves. I am therefore encouraged that the borough and its partners have come together to provide this innovative service to support a very vulnerable group. The council takes domestic abuse very seriously and will continue to work with all its partners to help reduce this problem."

Sophie Crowe, Berkshire East domestic abuse co-ordinator, said: "Almost 2,000 children contact Childline every year about domestic abuse problems, and at least three quarters of children under a Child Protection Plan live in households where domestic abuse occurs.

"Many children growing up in an abusive family will feel alone and scared. They may either self harm or suffer injuries if they try to intervene, or often blame themselves for what is going on. Therefore it is key that groups such as PICADA are available to provide support."

PICADA is open to children aged nine to 11 years and their mothers, living in the Royal Borough, who have experienced domestic abuse in the family setting. The group starts at the end of April. Referrals will be accepted up to one month beforehand (Monday 23 March). After this time, any referrals will join a waiting list, depending on the number of referrals already received.

For more information or to refer to PICADA contact Sophia Lazarou at Family Friends on 01628 683388 or email: sophia@family-friends.org.uk

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