Lockdown 3.0 and school’s out: remain aware of domestic violence

02 Feb 2021

When Lockdown 1.0 was imposed almost a year ago, reported instances of domestic violence rose significantly.   Domestic violence ran in parallel with the pandemic, and thankfully garnered the kind of high profile that meant additional support mechanisms and funding were put in place.
 
And here we are in Lockdown 3.0.  The problem certainly has not gone away, but neither is it front-and-centre in the public’s consciousness.
 
Even if children are not the direct victims of abuse, it’s impossible to think that they are shielded from the abuse that is taking place in their home.  They will witness, hear, or simply sense the dysfunctional and dangerous environment; children are both sensitive and intuitive, and seldom fail to notice what’s going on around them. 
 
When schools were open again in the autumn months, these children were at least able to experience the daily displays of normal and respectful human interaction that will help shape their own behaviours as adults.  But with extended compulsory closures in place again now, how will they fare?
 
Gone are the daily friendships that can serve as a distraction from the pressures of home life.  Gone, too, are the opportunities for trained professionals to potentially spot the signs of a domestic abuse home environment and to support and possibly save them.
 
It’s true that many vulnerable children are still able to attend school, but that ‘vulnerable’ label can come from very many sources; domestic abuse is often difficult to identify, and it is not limited to deprived households.  Abusers will be careful to ensure that the adults and children in their control do not expose that abuse, and can probably justify their behavior to themselves and their household.  Many children will not understand that the behaviour they encounter is wrong and that they can ask for help, or they will simply be reluctant to speak out because they love their parent.
 
Domestic abuse does not have a simple definition.  It manifests itself in many different behaviours.  But the impact on children living in an abusive environment should not be underestimated; catastrophic long term effects can be evident throughout adult life. 
 
Lockdown 3.0 is with us, and we have to get Covid-19 under control for all our sakes.  Thankfully getting children back into school is a priority for a multitude of reasons, primarily but not exclusively academic: as a society we are already anticipating a huge problem with the mental wellbeing of young people as a result of long term isolation.  Beyond that, we must never lose sight of the fact that for many children and young people, school genuinely represents a much-needed lifeline and place of safety.

The key message is that you do not need to suffer in silence and help, in many different forms, is available.
 
Samantha Jago is a Family Law Partner and Mediator with DMH Stallard LLP. If these issues affect you, she can be contacted on 01483 302345
 

Further reading

Pensions on divorce – Spring Budget 2023

Blog
17/03/2023
What are Lifetime Allowances and how does the Spring Budget affect my pension?
Read more Read

Commercial Landlords and Tenants should beware the tightening of the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards on 1 April 2023

Blog
07/03/2023
The Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards are tightening - Ben Price sets out the main issues to consider to avoid significant penalties
Read more Read

The Real Estate team continues to grow at DMH Stallard

Blog, News & PR
06/03/2023
“The combination of Graham’s excellent reputation in the market, network of contacts and undoubted knowledge and expertise, make this a very exciting appointment for us."
Read more Read

Selling your loved one's home after death

Blog
03/03/2023
A useful guide to help navigate the house sale process after a bereavement
Read more Read
  • Brighton - Jubilee St

    1 Jubilee Street

    Brighton

    East Sussex

    BN1 1GE

  • Brighton - Old Steine

    47 Old Steine

    Brighton

    East Sussex

    BN1 1NW

  • Gatwick

    Griffin House

    135 High Street

    Crawley

    West Sussex

    RH10 1DQ

  • Guildford

    Wonersh House

    The Guildway

    Old Portsmouth Road

    Guildford

    Surrey

    GU3 1LR

  • Hassocks

    32 Keymer Road

    Hassocks

    West Sussex

    BN6 8AL

  • Horsham

    Ridgeland House

    15 Carfax

    Horsham

    West Sussex

    RH12 1DY

  • London

    6 New Street Square

    New Fetter Lane

    London

    EC4A 3BF

  • Make an enquiry

    Make an enquiry

    Message

    Or head to our Contact us page