Continuing support for children affected by domestic abuse

A support group for children and mothers affected by domestic abuse is to be launched in the Royal Borough. The new group - which starts in September - follows a successful pilot scheme earlier this year.

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

The support group 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 facilitators will work with the children to prepare safety plans in case they are exposed to further abuse, either directly or indirectly.

Mothers will be able to use the opportunity to understand what their child is learning so they can better support them.

Cllr Colin Rayner, cabinet member with responsibility for community safety, said: "Teenagers, children and babies are all too often exposed to domestic abuse, either witnessing it or by being abused themselves.

"Domestic abuse can come from either mothers or fathers but is often from boyfriends or girlfriends of the child's parents. We all need to protect the most vulnerable in our borough. We all have a social responsibility.

"The pilot scheme was well received and I am encouraged that the borough and its partners are able to run a further group.

"The council takes domestic abuse very seriously and will continue to work with all its partners to help reduce this problem. It is key that groups such as PICADA are available to provide this much needed support."

Sophie Wing-King, 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."

For more information or to refer to PICADA contact Sophia Lazarou at Family Friends on 01628 683388.