Report: Safe, Seen, Supported
The Violence, Abuse and Mental Health Network has launched a survivor-led report: Safe, Seen, Supported: How to reach and help children and young people experiencing abuse in their households.
Many children and young people who are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse in their households never come to the attention of authorities. 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.
Since March 2020, the UK government has enforced multiple ‘lockdowns’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the closure of schools and other social distancing measures. This has meant that many children and young people have been trapped in abusive households with reduced access to outside support. The current pandemic has magnified the risks of child abuse and has serious implications beyond the pandemic, requiring urgent action.
This survivor-led initiative carried out in partnership with Survivors’ Voices, Laura E Fischer, The Violence Abuse and Mental Health Network and The McPin Foundation 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.
Alongside the report is an infographic aimed at children and young people who are a) at risk of or experiencing abuse or b) know someone who might be experiencing abuse.