Recognising Children as Victims of Domestic Abuse: Breaking the Cycle in Hertfordshire
When we talk about domestic abuse, it’s easy to think only about adults — but children are victims too. Living in a home where there’s abuse, even if they don’t see it directly, can have a lasting impact on their wellbeing, confidence, and relationships.
At Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline, we don’t signpost children directly, but we can support families who are worried about how abuse is affecting their children. We’re always here to listen, help parents or carers find the right services, and point them in the right direction for specialist support.
Learning Early: Prevention Through Education
Nationally, there’s a lot happening to make sure young people understand what healthy relationships look like. This summer, the Department for Education released new guidance for schools across the country, strengthening how domestic abuse, coercive control and gender-based violence are taught. The new framework gives clearer, age-appropriate messages about consent, respect and online safety starting from primary school.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner called it “a critical step in safeguarding children and young people,” and we couldn’t agree more. Giving children the language and understanding to talk about what’s happening around them is one of the best ways to break the cycle of abuse before it takes root.
Local Highlights: What’s Happening in Hertfordshire
Here in Hertfordshire, we’re proud to see so many schools and community groups stepping up to support children and raise awareness.
Crucial Crew
More than 800 Year 6 pupils from 22 primary schools in Hertsmere recently took part in Crucial Crew, a hands-on programme that helps children learn how to stay safe, make good choices, and understand healthy relationships.
The sessions are run by professionals from Hertfordshire Constabulary, Fire & Rescue, SAHWR, local school nurses, and the East of England Ambulance Service — all working together to prepare young people for secondary school and beyond.
Local Organisations Doing Great Work
We’re lucky to work alongside many brilliant Hertfordshire organisations that focus on children and young people affected by domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships:
Dignify – Promoting dignity and respect, encouraging young people to challenge harmful behaviours.
Beyond Equality – Helping boys and men rethink attitudes and play a positive role in ending gender-based violence.
For Baby’s Sake – Supporting families from pregnancy onwards to break the cycle of abuse and create safer, healthier futures.
Using Sport to Reach Young People
Through our ongoing partnerships with Stevenage FC and Watford FC, we’re helping to reach young supporters with positive messages about respect, kindness and communication. Sport is such a powerful way to connect — and the clubs’ community teams are doing incredible work to create safe, supportive spaces for young people to open up.
A recent survey with Stevenage FC Kicks participants showed that most young people would look for help through their school or youth club (43%) or online via websites offering advice (38%). This shows just how important it is to keep trusted, accessible support available wherever children and teens are most likely to turn.
Why This Matters
We know that children who grow up around domestic abuse can carry those experiences into adulthood — unless they get the understanding and support they need to heal. Raising awareness, offering early education, and showing young people that there is help available can change lives.
If you’re worried about a child or about how domestic abuse is affecting your family, you can always contact the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline. We’ll listen, offer guidance, and help you find the right support.
Learn More
To understand more about how early experiences can shape a child’s life, we recommend watching this short, powerful clip on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs).
Together, we can help every child grow up feeling safe, valued, and heard.