Safe, Seen, Supported: How to reach and help children and young people experiencing abuse in their households
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Safe, Seen, Supported Report
It is estimated that 1 in 5 children is subjected to at least one form of child abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, exposure to domestic abuse) before the age of 16. Much of this abuse is ‘off-radar’, that is, unknown to statutory services. This survivor-led initiative aims to address the magnified risks of child abuse from COVID-19 and the likely significant post-pandemic consequences from increased exposure to abuse. The report identifies key considerations and actions to support children and young people at-risk, both during the pandemic and beyond. This project is led by survivor researchers Jane Chevous, Laura E. Fischer, Concetta Perôt, and Angela Sweeney in partnership with Survivors' Voices, the UKRI Violence Abuse and Mental Health Network, King's College London, and the McPin Foundation. To read the report click here. To access the black and white version of the report click here. Safe, Seen, Supported Infographic This infographic offers guidance for children and young people on what to do if they or someone they know might be experiencing abuse. To view the infographic click here To download the shareable instagram version click here |
Supporting 'off-radar' children and young people who are at risk of violence/abuse in their household: (Part 1) Interim report - Survivors' Voices, VAMHN, McPin Foundation
This survivor-led report was coordinated by network member organisation, Survivors' Voices, with the Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network and The McPin Foundation . It contains relevant possible actions to support children who are 'off-radar' (unknown to any statutory services) during and post pandemic 'lockdown' periods. This report documents the results of a survivor-led and rapid response survey targeted at people who had experience of being abused as children whilst unknown to safeguarding or support services, in order to capture the wisdom of lived experience regarding what practical actions may help reach this population.
This Part 1 Report is an initial collation and thematic analysis of the results of that survey which aims to inform possible urgent actions. To read in full click here. You can also read more about the project in this article here.
To listen to co-authors Laura Fischer and Jane Chevous speak more on this work in the Lancet Psychiatry Podcast click here.
Fear at Home Report
This report led by Fully Focused and VAMHN co-lead Dr Helen Fisher (King's College London) explores young people's experiences of feeling ‘unsafe’ at home during the pandemic, and what they thought were the best ways to support other young people to survive and thrive during these more socially restricted times. To read the report click here.
This survivor-led report was coordinated by network member organisation, Survivors' Voices, with the Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network and The McPin Foundation . It contains relevant possible actions to support children who are 'off-radar' (unknown to any statutory services) during and post pandemic 'lockdown' periods. This report documents the results of a survivor-led and rapid response survey targeted at people who had experience of being abused as children whilst unknown to safeguarding or support services, in order to capture the wisdom of lived experience regarding what practical actions may help reach this population.
This Part 1 Report is an initial collation and thematic analysis of the results of that survey which aims to inform possible urgent actions. To read in full click here. You can also read more about the project in this article here.
To listen to co-authors Laura Fischer and Jane Chevous speak more on this work in the Lancet Psychiatry Podcast click here.
Fear at Home Report
This report led by Fully Focused and VAMHN co-lead Dr Helen Fisher (King's College London) explores young people's experiences of feeling ‘unsafe’ at home during the pandemic, and what they thought were the best ways to support other young people to survive and thrive during these more socially restricted times. To read the report click here.
Third Sector Resources
Safety4Sisters
Safety4Sisters have released a new report "Locked in Abuse, Locked Out of Safety - The Pandemic Experiences of Migrant Women" detailing the impact of COVID-19 on migrant women. To read the report click here.
NSPCC
The NSPCC have released a briefing on 'The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: domestic abuse'. The briefing uses insight from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic. To read click here.
Women’s Aid
Women's Aid have available two key resources on their website which people may find useful during this time. They are:
Rape Crisis England and Wales
Rape Crisis have developed a number of resources including safety advice, tips for social distancing and a live chat helpline which you can access here.
Surviving Economic Abuse
Surviving Economic Abuse has published two resources on COVID-19. These are:
Safe Lives
Safe Lives have produced a briefing which sets out several key issues for abuse survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and looks at the implications of the Coronavirus Bill for those experiencing abuse and mental health problems. To read the briefing click here. They also have a webpage with resources and advise for both survivors and professionals which you can view here.
Rights of women
Rights of women have collated a number of resources to help advise families making child contact arrangements during the pandemic which you can view here. They also have an advisory helpline which you can access here.
Healthcare Sector Resources
Safety4Sisters
Safety4Sisters have released a new report "Locked in Abuse, Locked Out of Safety - The Pandemic Experiences of Migrant Women" detailing the impact of COVID-19 on migrant women. To read the report click here.
NSPCC
The NSPCC have released a briefing on 'The impact of the coronavirus pandemic on child welfare: domestic abuse'. The briefing uses insight from NSPCC helpline contacts and Childline counselling sessions to highlight the impact of domestic abuse on children and young people during the coronavirus pandemic. To read click here.
Women’s Aid
Women's Aid have available two key resources on their website which people may find useful during this time. They are:
- A Live Chat which you can access here
- The Survivor's Handbook which you can read here.
They have also recently published a number of relevant reports and outputs: - The Domestic Abuse Report 2020: The Hidden Housing Crisis
- Nowhere to Turn 2020: Findings from the fourth year of the No Woman Turned Away project
- Impact of COVID-19 on domestic abuse services
Rape Crisis England and Wales
Rape Crisis have developed a number of resources including safety advice, tips for social distancing and a live chat helpline which you can access here.
Surviving Economic Abuse
Surviving Economic Abuse has published two resources on COVID-19. These are:
- Economic abuse and the coronavirus outbreak
- Spotting the signs of economic abuse during the coronavirus outbreak – for family, friends, neighbours and work colleagues
Safe Lives
Safe Lives have produced a briefing which sets out several key issues for abuse survivors during the COVID-19 pandemic and looks at the implications of the Coronavirus Bill for those experiencing abuse and mental health problems. To read the briefing click here. They also have a webpage with resources and advise for both survivors and professionals which you can view here.
Rights of women
Rights of women have collated a number of resources to help advise families making child contact arrangements during the pandemic which you can view here. They also have an advisory helpline which you can access here.
Healthcare Sector Resources
The below recording is from a webinar on the 18th May that was facilitated by NHSE/I’s Perinatal Mental Health Programme Team to support the sharing of resources and approaches for responding to domestic violence and abuse (and associated safeguarding) concerns in perinatal women in the current context.
Domestic abuse during COVID-19: Advice for NHS staff - NHS England and NHS Improvement
This guidance document include advice and resources for NHS staff and managers in responding to domestic abuse. Click here to read.
Supporting Survivors During COVID-19: Guidance for Mental Health Professionals - AVA
AVA have published guidance giving key information and practical support for mental health professionals to support responses to domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. To access the resource click here.
COVID-19 and violence against women - What the health sector/system can do - World Health Organisation
This information sheet from the World Health Organisation offers guidance on what the health sector can do to combat violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic. To view the information sheet click here.
Guidance on DVA in the context of end of life care in the COVID-19 pandemic - The Royal College of General Practitioners
This resource offers guidance and recommendations on recognising and managing domestic violence in patients in end of life care. To read click here.
Guidance for General Practice Teams - IRISi
This resource offers comprehensive guidance on responding to domestic abuse while conducting telephone and video consultations. To read click here.
COVID-19: Guidance on how to respond to domestic abuse during lockdown for healthcare professionals - Standing Together Against Domestic Violence
STADV have developed guidance to support healthcare professionals in acute health settings respond effectively to patients subjected to domestic abuse. The guidance is relevant to all health professionals and includes a condensed version of key information which can be disseminated to frontline staff. To read in full click here.
Research Resources
Violence Against Women and Girls Data Collection During COVID-19 – UN Women and World Health Organisation
This document summarises principles and recommendations to those planning to embark on data collection on the impact of COVID-19 on violence against women and girls (VAWG). It was informed by the needs and challenges identified by colleagues in regional and country offices and has benefited from their input. It responds to the difficulties of adhering to methodological, ethical and safety principles in the context of the physical distancing and staying at home measures imposed in many countries. To read the document click here.
Employment Resources
Harmful Traditional Practices in the Workplace: Urgent Response to COVID-19 - HARM Network
The HARM network, at University of Central Lancashire, is urging organisations across the UK to take action to protect employees (including remote workers) and service-users at risk of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown. They developed evidence-based recommendations to help employers safeguard their staff in an inclusive way that recognises and respects the cultural and ethnic diversity of their workforce. To read in full click here.
Government Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of domestic abuse - Home Office
The Home Office have released government guidance for survivors, employers, professionals and more. The report also includes a list of organisations which can provide support to survivors. To read click here.
Children, domestic abuse and coronavirus - Children's Commissioner
This briefing from the office of the Children's Commissioner outlines the implications of COVID-19, social distancing and lockdown on children in the context of domestic abuse. To read the briefing click here.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence against Women and Girls - Department for International Development
This VAWG Helpdesk Research Report looks at the evidence of how the coronavirus pandemic will impact violence against women and girls, as well as looking at similar epidemics from the past. To read the report click here.
COVID-19: guidance on isolation for domestic abuse safe-accommodation settings - Public Health England
This report offers guidance to support domestic abuse survivors including their children in domestic abuse safe accommodation settings, including refuges and other types of safe accommodation. To read in full click here.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
Trauma, Mental Health and Coronavirus - Centre for Mental Health
This briefing explores the ideas of collective trauma and healing, and what the process of recovery may look like. To read the briefing click here.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak - World Health Organisation
This resource from the World Health Organisation offers mental health guidance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic for a variety of people in different settings. To read the report click here.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing - Mind Charity
This webpage from the Mind Charity provides practical guidance on taking care of your mental health and wellbeing whilst being in lockdown and isolation. To read click here.
Creative isolation - MARCH Network
Our friends at the MARCH Network have pulled together a number of ways to stay entertained and get creative whilst in isolation. To view their webpage click here.
Covid Life – I Am Public Mental Health
Covid Life is a peer led project which aims to document individual and collective experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, asking the question “what happens to our mental health during a public health crisis?” Covid Life entries are fragments of lived experience, windows onto our own and others’ lives. To read more visit their website here.
COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression - University of Reading
The University of Reading have created this short course for young people to help manage low mood and depression. The course offers practical advice on family communication, promoting healthy habits and managing your thoughts and feelings. To take the course click here.
Ongoing Research
COVID-19 Social Study - University College London
University College London have launched a study into the psychological and social effects of COVID-19 in the UK. The study is open to all adults in the UK and involves answering a 15-minute online survey and then a 10 minute follow up survey once a week whilst social isolation measures are in place. To find out more and to participate click here.
This guidance document include advice and resources for NHS staff and managers in responding to domestic abuse. Click here to read.
Supporting Survivors During COVID-19: Guidance for Mental Health Professionals - AVA
AVA have published guidance giving key information and practical support for mental health professionals to support responses to domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. To access the resource click here.
COVID-19 and violence against women - What the health sector/system can do - World Health Organisation
This information sheet from the World Health Organisation offers guidance on what the health sector can do to combat violence against women during the COVID-19 pandemic. To view the information sheet click here.
Guidance on DVA in the context of end of life care in the COVID-19 pandemic - The Royal College of General Practitioners
This resource offers guidance and recommendations on recognising and managing domestic violence in patients in end of life care. To read click here.
Guidance for General Practice Teams - IRISi
This resource offers comprehensive guidance on responding to domestic abuse while conducting telephone and video consultations. To read click here.
COVID-19: Guidance on how to respond to domestic abuse during lockdown for healthcare professionals - Standing Together Against Domestic Violence
STADV have developed guidance to support healthcare professionals in acute health settings respond effectively to patients subjected to domestic abuse. The guidance is relevant to all health professionals and includes a condensed version of key information which can be disseminated to frontline staff. To read in full click here.
Research Resources
Violence Against Women and Girls Data Collection During COVID-19 – UN Women and World Health Organisation
This document summarises principles and recommendations to those planning to embark on data collection on the impact of COVID-19 on violence against women and girls (VAWG). It was informed by the needs and challenges identified by colleagues in regional and country offices and has benefited from their input. It responds to the difficulties of adhering to methodological, ethical and safety principles in the context of the physical distancing and staying at home measures imposed in many countries. To read the document click here.
Employment Resources
Harmful Traditional Practices in the Workplace: Urgent Response to COVID-19 - HARM Network
The HARM network, at University of Central Lancashire, is urging organisations across the UK to take action to protect employees (including remote workers) and service-users at risk of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 lockdown. They developed evidence-based recommendations to help employers safeguard their staff in an inclusive way that recognises and respects the cultural and ethnic diversity of their workforce. To read in full click here.
Government Resources
Coronavirus (COVID-19): support for victims of domestic abuse - Home Office
The Home Office have released government guidance for survivors, employers, professionals and more. The report also includes a list of organisations which can provide support to survivors. To read click here.
Children, domestic abuse and coronavirus - Children's Commissioner
This briefing from the office of the Children's Commissioner outlines the implications of COVID-19, social distancing and lockdown on children in the context of domestic abuse. To read the briefing click here.
Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Violence against Women and Girls - Department for International Development
This VAWG Helpdesk Research Report looks at the evidence of how the coronavirus pandemic will impact violence against women and girls, as well as looking at similar epidemics from the past. To read the report click here.
COVID-19: guidance on isolation for domestic abuse safe-accommodation settings - Public Health England
This report offers guidance to support domestic abuse survivors including their children in domestic abuse safe accommodation settings, including refuges and other types of safe accommodation. To read in full click here.
Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources
Trauma, Mental Health and Coronavirus - Centre for Mental Health
This briefing explores the ideas of collective trauma and healing, and what the process of recovery may look like. To read the briefing click here.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Considerations During COVID-19 Outbreak - World Health Organisation
This resource from the World Health Organisation offers mental health guidance in the context of the coronavirus pandemic for a variety of people in different settings. To read the report click here.
Coronavirus and your wellbeing - Mind Charity
This webpage from the Mind Charity provides practical guidance on taking care of your mental health and wellbeing whilst being in lockdown and isolation. To read click here.
Creative isolation - MARCH Network
Our friends at the MARCH Network have pulled together a number of ways to stay entertained and get creative whilst in isolation. To view their webpage click here.
Covid Life – I Am Public Mental Health
Covid Life is a peer led project which aims to document individual and collective experiences of the coronavirus pandemic, asking the question “what happens to our mental health during a public health crisis?” Covid Life entries are fragments of lived experience, windows onto our own and others’ lives. To read more visit their website here.
COVID-19: Helping Young People Manage Low Mood and Depression - University of Reading
The University of Reading have created this short course for young people to help manage low mood and depression. The course offers practical advice on family communication, promoting healthy habits and managing your thoughts and feelings. To take the course click here.
Ongoing Research
COVID-19 Social Study - University College London
University College London have launched a study into the psychological and social effects of COVID-19 in the UK. The study is open to all adults in the UK and involves answering a 15-minute online survey and then a 10 minute follow up survey once a week whilst social isolation measures are in place. To find out more and to participate click here.
If you have a resource that you think would like to share through the network, please contact [email protected]