Stopping Domestic Abuse Together (SDAT)

 

SDAT is an initiative led by Derbyshire Police in conjunction with the Local Authority, Health Services, schools and other agencies, who work together to safeguard children and adults.

Domestic Abuse can include but is not limited to the following types of abuse:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

What is SDAT?

SDAT is an early notification system to schools to quickly notify them of any incidents of domestic abuse where the Police have attended a household where children live.

This enables schools to understand changes in a child's behaviour, attitude or general presentation and to support children if needed.

 

What are the aims of SDAT

  • To provide a link between children’s lived home experience and their experience in school where domestic abuse is a current issue.
  • To helps ensure that schools can effectively support and respond to children’s needs in the education setting.
  • To promotes effective communications between police, children’s social care, education welfare and schools where there has been a domestic abuse incident.

 

Children and young people witnessing domestic abuse

Witnessing domestic abuse is often very distressing and frightening and it can cause serious harm to children. Exposure to domestic abuse can have a serious, long lasting emotional and psychological impact on them.

Children who witness domestic abuse can experience a wide range of effects. These may include the child:

  • Becoming anxious or depressed
  • Having difficulty sleeping or having nightmares
  • Being easily startled, flinching or reacting disproportionately to loud noises
  • Complaining of physical symptoms such as stomach aches
  • Displaying challenging behaviour at school
  • Behaving in a way that appears younger than they are
  • Not wanting to attend school 
  • Becoming aggressive towards others
  • Having poor self-worth or low self-esteem
  • Displaying self-harming behaviours
  • Having difficulty forming positive relationships

 

Children may also feel:

  • Guilty - because they think they have done something wrong
  • Powerless - because they can't stop the violence
  • Confused - because it doesn't make sense
  • Angry - because it shouldn't be happening
  • Sad - because it can result in loss
  • Afraid - because they may be hurt, they may lose someone they love, others may find out
  • Alone - because they think it is only happening to them

Where can I get further support?

In an emergency, contact the police by calling 999. 

If you're experiencing domestic abuse or know someone who is, you can contact the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 08000 198 668 who can offer help, advice and support.  You can also email the support line giving a number you can be contacted safely at derbyshiredahelpline@theelmfoundation.org.uk.

You can also contact the National Domestic Violence 24-hour help line provided by Refuge on 0808 2000 247 or by visiting https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/. 

The Hideout is an organisation that offers support and advice to children and families affected by Domestic Abuse.  You can find out more by visiting their website - http://thehideout.org.uk/. 

For men experiencing domestic abuse, confidential advice and support is also available from Men’s Advice Line by calling 0808 8010327 or by visiting https://mensadviceline.org.uk/.