How can I know if a child is affected by or is experiencing domestic abuse? Domestic abuse has psychological effects on young childrens behaviour, such as:-

• Aggressive violent behaviours
• Passive withdrawn behaviours and anxiety
• Psychosomatic/eating/sleeping problems
• Role reversal (children are parentified)
• Educational /school difficulties including attendance problems/concentration difficulties/behavioural problems/ over-compliance
• Relationship difficulties including bullying/isolation
• Longer term effects including depression/alcohol and drug misuse
• Running away, early sexual behaviour. 

Support Groups available in Stockport:

Stockport Domestic Abuse Forum aimed to set up Multi-agency Intervention Groups and some of these are currently available in Stockport:

• Young children and mothers' groups (Toddlers up to 4 years old and mothers)
• Children's Group (5-13)
• Young peoples Group (13 plus)
• Women's Group (18 plus) The Freedom Programme

Help and Support:

Below are a number of agencies and contact address where you can receive help and support:

"CHILD ABUSE by a MALE parent is 15 times more likely to occur in a home where Domestic Violence/Abuse is present…"