Children have been officially recognised as Domestic Abuse victims in their own right since The Domestic Abuse Act 2021. The opening up of services as a result of this should mean that support for these children is now available when needed. However, with around a quarter of a million referrals to Social Services every year and over 600 Child Protection referrals a day, there is still so much to be done to support children living with the effects of this harm.
As schools we have a huge part to play and the consultation for KCSIE 2026 is now asking if there is a need for clearer advice and strengthened language around Children Affected by Domestic Abuse (CADA). This reinforces the necessity for confident and knowledgeable staff, able to support children and families in a trauma-informed way. KCSIE 2026 will also add content in relation to Violence Against Women and Girls, a critical element of this masterclass.
This masterclass looks at how we continue to further our understanding of Domestic Abuse; explores ways to support children and families; considers how we ensure our settings are places which can enhance the development of any child whose world does not feel safe.
We will look at both the big picture and also specific responses. We will consider how traumatic events in a child’s life will have a significant effect but may look different in every case. There will be time and opportunities to further your learning, discuss, reflect and share, look at what you may have on your curriculum and plan what else might be needed.
Key Learning Objectives
This masterclass will enable you to:
Feel confident in your understanding of Domestic Abuse
Share your knowledge and understanding with colleagues
Ensure your Safeguarding Policy shows an awareness of Domestic Abuse and its effects on children
Consider the support you can provide in your setting
Further support disclosure
See Domestic Abuse within the wider context of Violence Against Women and Girls; Consent; Relationships Education; and more
Facilitator
After working in schools for over 25 years, as a teacher and senior leader, Liz then worked as safeguarding advisor for Birmingham Local Authority and later as Mental Health lead with an educational charity whilst continuing to advise schools and other organisations in all aspects of safeguarding. Liz now works as an independent advisor working with schools and other organisations in a number of ways such as training staff and auditing wellbeing.
Liz is the author of 8 books, teaching sets and resources that are used across the country and internationally by schools and by other professionals working with children and has written for a number of professional journals such as the TES and ‘The Psychologist’. She has delivered presentations, workshops and research findings at national conferences. Liz delivers Attachment and Trauma Awareness and has worked for the Anna Freud Centre, as an advisor and verifier for Optimus Education and as a Protective Behaviours practitioner, trainer and assessor. Liz also sits as a Magistrate in the Family Court.
