From Unnoticed to Invisible: The Impact of COVID‐19 on Children and Young People Experiencing Domestic Violence and Abuse

• Published in: Child Abuse Review Vol. 29; no. 4; pp. 387 - 391
• Main Author: Donagh, Ben
• Format: Journal Article Web Resource
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken John Wiley & Sons, Inc 01.07.2020; Wiley Subscription Services, Inc
• Subjects: Child abuse & neglect; COVID-19; Domestic violence; Youth
• ISSN: 0952-9136; 1099-0852
• DOI: 10.1002/car.2649

Introduction This continuing professional development paper provides an overview of the impact that COVID‐19 has had on specialist services delivering support to children and young people experiencing domestic violence and abuse (DVA). Context Setting ‘Guidance to ‘stay at home’ and the notion of ‘social distancing’ did not instil a sense of safety and reassurance for all’ The COVID‐19 pandemic has proven to be very unsettling for children, young people and their families. Video Conferencing Thorough risk assessments have enabled young people who prefer to see the person supporting them continue engaging with support. ‘The potential for secondary trauma and practitioner burnout is increased’ Additional Funding Increased demand on DVA services during the pandemic have been recognised by the UK Government resulting in the Ministry of Justice securing £25 million for charities supporting vulnerable people, including victims of DVA (GOV.UK, 2020).