Families
How FREEDA support families
We have a designated Children and Families Support Worker (CFSW) who works closely with mothers and children in the safe house and in the community. This role is a valuable support tool for mothers, working together to promote and build safe and loving relationships with their children, as well as working to help mothers understand the impact of domestic abuse can have on children.
The CFSW works in partnership with our Support team to provide a safe and welcoming environment, where mothers feel supported in sharing their experiences of domestic abuse and their children’s needs can be nurtured.
For children and young people that have either been direct victims of domestic abuse, or have witnessed abuse in the home, FREEDA offers a safe and independent space to discuss what has happened and to process their emotions. The outreach support varies and includes open discussions, play work, work on understanding and regulating emotions, triggers and coping strategies. This will cover things such as safety and support plans, the emotional and physical signs of stress and anxiety, as well as anger management and diffusion.
The Impact of Domestic Abuse on Children
We know that whilst children display high levels of resilience, the physical, psychological and emotional impact of domestic abuse on children can be long-lasting.
Every child will be affected differently by the trauma of domestic abuse and our support team are trained to recognise these signs. Some of the changes in behaviour are; withdrawal, bullying, vandalism, bed-wetting, eating disorders, substance misuse, or anger. FREEDA’s Support team will be on hand to help you and your family navigate these times.
At FREEDA, children and young people’s needs will be assessed alongside the mothers, with the aim to develop an age-appropriate program of needs, which can be implemented through therapeutic and recreational activities.
FREEDA family support and play sessions enable children and young people to;
Understand and process their experience(s)
Process and gain a greater awareness of their emotions
Have the capacity and language to express how they are feeling
Develop appropriate coping strategies to manage stress, grief, anxiety and anger
Build up self-esteem and self-confidence
Have a safe space to explore adverse experiences
FREEDA offers in-house sessions where the CFSW will work alongside other Children and Families agencies to ensure children’s needs are being met and that they are appropriately safeguarded.
Under the Domestic Abuse Act (2021)*, children that have been exposed to domestic abuse are now recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, rather than just witnesses (Barnardos).
*This is UK law, which is sadly not yet the case in Jersey. We would like to see this recognised here too.
We are here to help
We are available 24/7 on our HELPLINE 0800 7356836
Or you can email us on hello@freeda.org.je