Board Manager's Blog (February2025) Fri 28 Feb 2025

Domestic Abuse – Recognising the Signs and Seeking Help

Hello everyone, I’m Darren Minton, your Safeguarding Business Manager.

Domestic abuse is often hidden behind closed doors, but its impact is deep, long-lasting, and affects more people than we may realise. It can happen to anyone, regardless of gender, age, background, or income. Here in Bradford, we are proud of our diverse and vibrant communities, yet we must also acknowledge that domestic abuse occurs in every community across all backgrounds, faiths, and cultures.

Research shows that some communities are more reluctant to report domestic abuse for a variety of reasons, including:

🔹 Fear of stigma or shame – Worries about being judged by family, religious, or cultural groups.

🔹 Lack of trust in services – Concerns that authorities won’t understand their cultural or religious background.

🔹 Immigration status concerns – Some people fear that reporting abuse could impact their legal status in the UK.

🔹 Language barriers – Not knowing where to turn due to language difficulties or isolation.

🔹 Financial dependency – Feeling trapped due to economic reliance on an abusive partner.

We need to create a supportive environment where anyone facing domestic abuse feels safe to speak out without fear of judgment, discrimination, or consequence. No one should feel alone. Support is available in Bradford, and help is available when you’re ready.

This month, we want to break the silence around domestic abuse, helping people understand what it is, how it affects children, and, most importantly, how to seek help and support—whether for yourself or someone you know. If you are in an emergency, always call 999 for immediate assistance.

#StartTheConversation

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence—it can take many forms and is often about power, control, and fear. It includes:

• Emotional and psychological abuse – Controlling behaviour, gaslighting, humiliation, or intimidation.
• Financial abuse – Restricting access to money, controlling bank accounts, or preventing someone from working.
• Coercive control – Isolating someone from their support networks, monitoring their movements, and dictating how they live.
• Sexual abuse – Pressuring, coercing, or forcing someone into unwanted sexual activity.
• Physical abuse – Hitting, pushing, strangling, or other forms of bodily harm.

Domestic abuse is not just a personal issue—it is a community issue. The West Yorkshire Mayor’s Office recognises that violence against women and girls is a priority and is working to improve services, awareness, and protection.

You can read more about their work here: West Yorkshire Combined Authority - Safety of Women and Girls Strategy

For more information on recognising the signs of abuse, visit: Bradford Council - Domestic and Sexual Abuse

Children as Victims: The Lasting Impact of Domestic Abuse

For years, children who lived in homes affected by domestic abuse were seen only as witnesses. But we now recognise that they are victims in their own right. They don’t need to be directly harmed to suffer—the trauma of living with domestic abuse can be just as damaging as physical violence.

Domestic abuse affects every child differently, but the consequences can be severe and long-lasting, impacting their mental health, physical well-being, education, and relationships.

How Domestic Abuse Affects Children

Short-term effects of domestic abuse on children.

🔹 Infants and Young Children may experience:

• Bed-wetting and toileting issues
• Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
• Increased crying, clinginess, or separation anxiety
• Being easily startled or seeming on edge

🔹 School-aged children may struggle with:

• A loss of interest in activities or school
• Falling behind academically and lower grades
• Physical symptoms like headaches and stomach aches
• Feeling guilt or responsibility for the abuse
• Getting into trouble more frequently at school

🔹 Teenagers may:

• Act out through aggression or risk-taking behaviors
• Withdraw socially or struggle to form healthy friendships
• Use alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism
• Experience depression, low self-esteem, or suicidal thoughts

Long-term effects of domestic abuse on children.

The impact of growing up with domestic abuse can carry into adulthood, increasing the risk of:

🔹 Mental health conditions:

• Higher rates of anxiety
• Depression
• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Eating disorders

🔹 Low self-worth:

• Struggles with confidence
• Trust issues
• Emotional resilience

🔹 Substance misuse and coping mechanisms:

• Alcohol abuse
• Drug abuse

🔹Repetition of patterns:

• Some children go on to experience or perpetrate abuse in their relationships

Since the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children exposed to domestic abuse are now legally recognised as victims, not just passive observers. This ensures they receive the support and protection they need to heal and move forward.

Recognising the Signs of Domestic Abuse in Children

It’s not always obvious when a child is experiencing domestic abuse at home, but some signs to look out for include:

🚩 Changes in behaviour – Becoming withdrawn, anxious, aggressive, or overly obedient.

🚩 Difficulties at school – Poor concentration, sudden drop in grades, or absenteeism.

🚩 Physical symptoms – Frequent illnesses, unexplained injuries, or self-harm.

🚩 Social struggles – Trouble making friends, bullying behaviour, or isolation.

🚩 Extreme attachment or detachment – Fear of leaving home or emotional disconnection from parents.

Even if a child is not physically hurt, the emotional and psychological toll of witnessing abuse can be immense. As a community, we must be their voice and their support system.

What Should I Do if I’m Worried About a Child?

If you suspect a child is at immediate risk, call 999 immediately.

If you are worried about a child but the danger is not urgent, you can contact:

🔹 NSPCC – Call 0808 800 5000 for confidential support and advice.

🔹 Bradford Children’s Social Care – Visit Safer Bradford for local safeguarding resources.

🔹 Refuge or Childline – Trained professionals can help and guide children and young people.

What to Do if a Child Tells You About Domestic Abuse

If a child confides in you about abuse, it’s crucial to respond with care and reassurance.

✔ Provide a safe space – Ensure they feel comfortable and not rushed.

✔ Listen without judgment – Let them speak at their own pace.

✔ Reassure them – Tell them they’ve done the right thing by speaking up and that it’s not their fault.

✔ Don’t push for details – Let them share as much or as little as they are comfortable with.

✔ Never confront the abuser – This could put the child in more danger.

✔ Explain what will happen next – Let them know you will get help and they are not alone.

✔ Report your concerns – Pass on what the child has told you to professionals who can help.

Your support could be the first step in improving a child’s life.

Together, We Can Make a Difference

Children living with domestic abuse need understanding, support, and safety. They should never have to carry the burden of abuse alone.

By recognising the signs, speaking up, and ensuring the proper support is in place, we can help protect children and break the cycle of abuse for future generations.

If you’re worried about a child, don’t stay silent—reach out, take action, and be the voice they need.

#StartTheConversation

Breaking the Silence: A Community Responsibility

Domestic abuse isn’t just a private matter—it’s a community issue. The responsibility to support victims, challenge abusive behaviour, and create safe spaces belongs to all of us.

✔️ Break the Stigma – Domestic abuse happens in all communities. Let’s remove the shame and make it easier for people to seek help.

✔️ Speak Up – If you suspect abuse, don’t ignore it. Reporting concerns could save a life.

✔️ Support Survivors – Whether it’s helping a friend find resources or donating to support services, we can all do something.

✔️ Educate and Raise Awareness – Understanding abuse helps us recognise, challenge, and prevent it.

Victims of domestic abuse often feel trapped and alone, but they don’t have to be. A conversation, a call, or an act of support can be the first step to change.

#StartTheConversation

Closing Thoughts

Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and create a Bradford where everyone feels safe, supported, and empowered.

Stay safe, and take care

Darren Minton

Safeguarding Partnership Business Unit Manager