How are children and young people affected by domestic abuse?

Children who are exposed to domestic abuse may develop serious emotional, behavioural, developmental and academic problems. As children, they may display acts of violence themselves or become withdrawn. They may also become depressed and have low self-esteem, resulting in varying degrees of loneliness, isolation and anxiety. All children are unique and will cope with their experiences in different ways.

Some of the most common observable effects are:

• Changed sleeping patterns
• Nightmares
• Bed wetting
• Withdrawn or excessively clingy behaviour
• Eating disorders
• Self-harm
• Stress-related illness
• Depression
• Aggressiveness
• Disruptive behaviour
• Lack of confidence
• Low self-esteem
• Suicidal feelings

Other signs may be an inability to concentrate on things they would normally enjoy or they could be reluctant to attend school or become truant, resulting in a decline in academic achievement.

Research shows that those children who are supported and given an opportunity to work through their experiences show the best recovery and go on to form good relationships in adult life.

What to do if you are concerned about a child

If you are concerned about the safety of a child or young person you can contact the Surrey Children's Single Point of Access (SPA). Availability: 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Phone: 0300 470 9100. Out of hours phone: 01483 517898 to speak to our emergency duty team. However, if you are seriously concerned about a child's immediate safety, always dial 999.

Report a concern about a child

If you are a member of the public, you will be asked for your name and address and details of the child and the concerns you have. These are to help Surrey County Council's Children's Service to make further enquiries and to contact you again if necessary. Information about your name and address will be treated as confidential. You will be informed if it is necessary to identify you if court proceedings are required to protect the child or to prosecute an abuser. There are a number of court orders which can be used to protect a child.