West Yorkshire Police has extended a local campaign across the force’s area to highlight the harmful effect domestic abuse can have on children.
“Research suggests children who suffer or witness domestic abuse may be more likely to struggle with their education, suffer health issues, use drugs, become involved in crime and form abusive relationships themselves,” said Detective Superintendent Jon Morgan who heads the constabulary’s safeguarding unit.
The campaign, first used by Wakefield Council, is based on urging parents affected by domestic abuse to seek help to end the cycle.
“You might think that you are able to hide the abuse from younger members of your household, but it’s estimated that children witness three quarters of incidents of domestic abuse in their homes,” Det Supt Morgan said.
Coming forward is the best thing you can do for your child as a parent, he added.
The area’s Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson commented: “A child cannot choose where they live or shape their environment. They should never be a victim or witness of such abuse and we will continue to do everything we can collectively to keep children and young people safe.”[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
