Examining Children And Domestic Violence

Examining Children And internal help ViolenceThis essay pass on search and critic whollyy discuss issues ab turn out municipal ferocity and effects on clawren with regards to the framework for constructing clawishness. I will in like manner briefly describe the historical definition of tykeishness comparing it to the current definition and the links to children and house servant forcefulness. pack and Prout (1997) state that childhood backside be understood as a kind construction as it provides an interpretive frame for contextualizing the proterozoic classs of human life and it is assorted from biological immaturity. He excessively suggested that to an ex got the definition of childhood is dependent on the views of the society. The concept of childhood has diversifyd over while, collectable to social construction that is fuelled by our views of children, our attitudes towards them and views constructed through human pictureing. This change has a bountifu l fix on children and how society sees them these changes be imputable to political and theoretical influences (James and James, 2004). James and James (2004) suggested that on that point is a smack loss of childhood, as children ar world denied their right to childhood and they be exposed to the unpredictable and impulsive of the adult world too early. write up of childhoodIn Western Europe during the middle eras children were seen as plaything adults, with same thinking capacity and personal qualities, except non the same physical abilities. From 15th b low-spirited Aries suggested that the idea of childhood has changed simply the images and paintings of children changed as a new regarding of childhood emerged in onlyowing children to be seen as distinct from adults because they had their own posits. Shahar ch in all in allenged the Aries views, she argues that the perceptions of children as adults goes beyond the 15th century children were perceived as either b een born innocent or sullied by original overstep (James and James, 2004). The image of the child born into original sin came from the Aristotelian nonions overlaid with Judeao-Christian in this children were seen as wicked and needed redemption. Susannah Wesley recom handsded that p bents must stipulate their children so they whoremonger be saved from their sinfulness. In the 18th century, children were seen as the nature child, nature wants children to be children and not merely as adults in the making. John Wesley recommended that p atomic number 18nts should break the will of their children in hallow to bring his Gods will into subjection so they will be subject to the will of God. During the nineteenth century children were portrayed as naughty rather than evil, entirely this has proceed today for fashion model in books much(prenominal) as my naughty smaller sister. Towards the end of the 18th century, the perception of childhood was influenced by the romantic and ev angelical. wild-eyed portrayed childhood as a time of happiness and innocence, children were seen as pure and should be protected before facing trials and responsibilities of maturity for ideal by Rousseaus Emile, but it was later propagated by Blake, Coleridge and Wordsworth. Blake saw childhood not as the preparation for what was to come but as the source of innocence, but his views were conf employ by Wordsworth emphasised that children were blessings from God , as childhood was seen as the age where virtue was domiciled, (James and Prout, 1997). The romantic child was short-lived by the evangelical child, the evangelical Magazine advises parents to teach their children that they are sinful polluted creatures.Currently, childhood is seen as vulnerable to exploitation specially the way which the media plays a too large role in the commercialisation of childrens merchandise much(prenominal)(prenominal) as toys and games. Childhood in Britain is of ex perceived as cosmos a ti me of innocence and happiness, a carefree time when children should be protected and render from the adult world of sex, drugs and craze (Foley et al, 2001). Children are viewed as vulnerable especially when it relates to malignment or protecting them Holt et al (2008) suggested that the perception and understanding of children has changed extra time in relation to smear as there is more(prenominal) investigate on children and young masses who abide featured abuse.The framework for constructing childhood consists of eudaimonia of children, childrens rights and children in a social context. The upbeat of children is still a concern which continues to change the policy and legislation in order to encourage and resistance the welfare of children in society. The UK government chose three main points in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in 1999 which is quality protects (programme to game children aged 0-3 yrs and their families, sure start an d internal Childcare Strategy to ensure good-quality childcare for children aged 0-14 (James and James, 2004). Race, class, religion, gender and disability shape childrens lives all these factors wear an impact on their health, life chances and commandal insure.UNCRC came into force in the UK in 1992, all organizations works with children refer to UNCRC, for example Childrens express and Article 12, study to increase children and young communitys participation in the society. Unlike adults, children stupefy in fewer rights for example they do not put up the right to vote as children do not yet stand the competence to make such decisions. These special rights are for their protection rather than participation (James and James, 2004).James and James (2004) tell that the social positioning of children is inextricably linked with wider social changes associated with the roles of men and women, families and the state. Changes in the composition of the family structure and th e increased involvement of women in the work force in Western Europe and US have an impact upon the lives of children. remote materials and cultural forces of the families, both subtlety and directly shape children lives but likewise conditions, childcare and healthcare settings influence the lives of children (James and James, 2004).Domestic force out is a health issue that is hidden but statistics shows that it is a problem not moreover in England but worldwide and it is also an indicator of otherwise forms of child abuse. Evidence from Brandon et als (2008) study shows that if interior(prenominal) force-out is present it leads to two-thirds of cases of child deaths and serious injury, therefore this shows that home(prenominal) help madness is one factor that leads/ total to death in childrens cases where children have been killed or seriously injured for example capital of Seychelles Climbe and baby P cases. It affects everyone in the society regardless of age, gender, wealthiness and sexuality. Home office (2010) defines Domestic violence as Any incidental of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or activated) in the midst of adults who are or have been familiar(p) partners of family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This includes issues of concern to B wishing and other Minority Ethnic communities such as honour killings. McGee (2000) stated that domesticated violence is undergo by women and children of all social classes, ethnicities and abilities. BCS (2001) estimates that one in five (21%) women and one in ten (10%) men has experienced at least one incident of non-sexual domestic threat or force since they were 16. Also when financial and frantic abuse is included, 26% of women and 17% of men had experienced domestic violence since the age of 16. The most unnatural group as a result of domestic violence are women, as statistics shows 32% of women had experienced domestic violenc e from this person four or more times compared with only 11 per cent of men (Mullender, 2004). Statistics from British criminal offense Survey (BCS) (1996) shows that half of families who suffered domestic violence had children aged 16 or under living in the household. Mirrless-Black (1999) suggested that 29% of children experiencing domestic violence were aware(p) of what was happening, children were more likely to be witness abuse against women who suffer abuse themselves. In the UK it is estimated that every year at least 750,000 children witness domestic violence and over a 100-day period an estimated 205,000 children will witness domestic violence (DoH, 2009).Children are touch on not only by directly witnessing abuse, but also by living in an environs where their pose (main caregiver) is repeatedly victimised. Children in a home where the mother is being abused are also at greater risk of being abused themselves, or being used to control their mother, Hidden hurt (2010). There are many ship jackpotal that children and young muckle cornerstone experience domestic violence such as directly being abused or witnessing the abuse as children are aware of what going on, and could be listening whilst the abuse happens. Mullender (2004) stated that what children see or hear when their mothers are being abused can not only include physical violence but also emotional abuse and put-downs, threats and intimidation, sexual jealousy and abuse. Children may witness the family being kept short of coin or the abuser taking money from other family members and also experience isolation from family and friends. Also children could witness domestic violence by actually seeing violent and scurrilous acts/behaviours, consultation arguments and seeing the physical and emotional effects of abuse and when trying to interfere to protect their mother or siblings but young people may experience domestic violence in their own relationships (DoH, 2002).Research has shown t hat children are likely to be at risk of physical, sexual and/or emotional abuse if they have witnessed or live in an abusive home. The National Childrens Home (NCH) coifion for Children study (2002) prepare that children living with domestic violence frequently experienced direct physical and sexual assault and that ten per cent had witnessed their mother being sexually assaulted. Abrahams (1994) study found that of women and children who had go away a domestic abuser 10% of mothers had been sexually abused in front of their children, 27% of the partners had also assaulted the children, including sexually and 1/3 utter that the children became violent and belligerent, including towards their mothers 31% developed problems at school and 31% of children had low self-esteem. DoH (2009) stated that although the statistics shows that a high numbers of children witness domestic violence, official statistics are likely to underplay its prevalence. It is difficult to estimate the ing est number of women or children that experience domestic violence as not every incident is report or disclosed therefore the straight figures are likely to be higher.Domestic violence has a big impact on children emotionally, socially, behaviourally, nurtureally and on their cognitive ability. It can be difficult to interrogation the effects of domestic violence on children due to ethical issues as they are very vulnerable, but it is strategic to experience out what children experience in order to understand the possible impact on children on how to documentation them to cope. Hester et al (2000) stated that there is try that domestic violence has an impact on children but there is lack of knowledge to how factors such as age, race, economic status, gender, disability and childrens resilience influences children.Children can react to violence in different ways depending on whether they are witnessing or experiencing violence as some are more cranky than others, but it depend s on their age. There are two types of behaviours that can plain in children, this could be externalised and internalised as some children could be more ravening and are at a high risk of depression (DoH, 2009). McGee (2000) and Frantuzzo (1999) pointed out that children exposed to domestic violence tend to display more aggressive behaviour, have problems in school/home and also behavioural problems such as depression, fears, suicidal behaviours, bed wetting and low self-esteem. Other behavioural and emotional effects could be feeling powerless/helpless, withdrawn, anger, and lower donnish achievements Hester et al, (2000) suggested that this could be short or long term. However, all children could suffer from all of the above at any stage in their life without being affected or witnessing violence, research has shown that it is higher among children who witness domestic violence.Domestic violence can also affect childrens cognitive abilities as research has shown that what is ha ppening at home can disrupt their education. Veltman et al (2000) found that 75% of cases children had delayed cognitive development and 86% had delayed speech development. Research has shown that children exposed to domestic violence have difficulty in school, lack concentration and more likely to refuse to attend school (McGee, 2000 and Humphrey and Mullender, 2001).There are long-term consequences of exposure to domestic violence especially to younger children as it is thought that they dont remember what happened however the effect can be carried to adulthood and could gamble their development. Cunningham and Baker (2004) suggested that if domestic violence is carried into adulthood it can contribute to a cycle of adversity and violence. Osofsky (1999) stated that studies have indicated the link between exposure to violence and negative behaviours in children of all age group similarly Cunningham and baker suggested that exposure to domestic violence can have varied impact at different stages. The social issues of domestic violence are more likely to affect juvenile due to difficulties forming healthy intimate relationships with peers as a result of their experiences Levendosky et al (2002) suggests adolescents exposed to violence are less likely to have a secure fastening style and more likely to have an avoidant attachment style, indicating perhaps that they no longer feel cuss in intimate relationships.Violence experienced by infants and toddlers can cause more emotional or behavioural problems as they tend to have excessive irritability, babyish behaviour, sleep disturbances, emotional distress, fears of being alone, and regression in toileting and language (Holt et al, 2008 and Osofsky, 1999). referable to their age they are dependent on the mothers/care-giver for care, safety and security so they form the attachment. Studies have shown a link between secure parent-child attachments in early childhood with later positive developmental outcomes and these could affect how they relate to people in later life which could affect their normal development of trust and create social problems research on attachment in infancy has shown that the more serious the level of domestic violence, the higher the likelihood of insecure, disorganised, attachments (DoH, 2009). moreover, it can be very difficult for these young children who often cannot describe their experiences in detail as their development is limited and their feelings/emotions are manifested as lenify tantrums and aggression, crying and resisting comfort, or sadness and anxiety (Cunningham and Baker, 2004).Children welfare and rightsSafeguarding and children welfare is delimitate by HM government (2006) as the process of protecting children from abuse or neglect, preventing impairment of their health and development, and ensuring they are growing up in circumstances consistent with the provision of safe and strong care that enables children to have optimum life chance s and enter adulthood successfully (p 27). Children are delimit as in need when they are unlikely to reach or maintain a satisfactory level of health or development which will be significantly impaired without the provision of serve (S17 (10) of the Children Act (1989). Some children are in need because they are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm which justifies compulsory intervention in family life in the best interest of children. The Child Act (1989) practices concern on every topical anesthetic authority to provide a upchuck of appropriate services to ensure that children in need within their welkin welfare are promoted. The Act also places a traffic on local authorities to make or cause enquiries to be made, where there is reasonable cause to suspect that a child is suffering or likely to suffer, significant harm (s 47). The Children Act (1989) recognises that to promote the welfare of children, services may need to be provided to address the difficulties t heir parents are experiencing.In order to promote the welfare and safeguard children, all the services and agencies working with children have to come in concert to provide effective patronize and services, as when children experience serious inquiries it is evident that there has been a failure of agencies working together this was an issue raised in the 2003 Victoria Climbi Inquiry report. Cm 5730 (2003) from Victoria Climbi Inquiry report recommended that many agencies have to work together to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children which cannot be achieved by a single chest as every service has a part to play. The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act (2004), Family Law Act (1996), Protection from Harassment Act (1997) and safeguarding children all state that it is a criminal offence if a child dies as a result of an unlawful act of the parents/adults (member of the family) who do not take actions to protect the child.The Children Act s11 (2004) and Working toget her to safeguard children (HM Government, 2006) stated that safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyones responsibility and central to all local authority functions. Similarly HM Government (2006) stated that protecting children from significant harm, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children depends on effective joint working between agencies and professionals that have different roles and expertise (p 33). Furthermore the Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) main aim is to ensure the effective safeguarding of children by all local stake holders and the promotion of their welfare, both in a multi-agency context and within individual agencies (HM Government, 2010). LSCB should ensure better collaboration and co-ordination in cases which require services such as agencies working with both childrens and adult services such as agencies working with parents experiencing domestic violence.Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government, 2006) states that LSCBs should make appropriate arrangements at a strategic direction level to involve among others, domestic violence forums (p 86). HM Government (2010) states that all health professionals working directly with children and young people should ensure that safeguarding and promoting their welfare forms an integral part of all elements of the care they offer. The Children Act (2004) places a wider duty on the police for example ensuring policy plans including child protection strategies. They also specify the need to respond quickly and effectively to domestic violence incidents (Cleaver et al, 2007). Police have a key role in safeguarding children and working with other agencies to stop abuse (HM Government, 2010).In the past professionals have not worked together to address the impact of domestic violence for children, but measures have been placed to bring low this impact. As health professional we have to be able to identify the impact of domestic violence on children in o rder to help/ maintenance them. Research has shown that professionals struggle to identify and understand childrens experiences so cannot respond appropriately to their needs (Mullender et al, 2002). Children have several manage strategies can be through resilience and being listened to about their experiences but some children can recover quickly as children are different so we as professional need to consider each childs contend strategy. DoH (2009) stated that identifying protective factors and increasing resilience can reduce the risk of harm (p 30). Mullender et al (2002) suggested that a secure attachment to a non-violent parent/carer is a protective factor for children in distress from violence. Similarly, Osofsky (1999) stated that the most important protective resource to enable a child to cope with exposure to violence is a strong relationship with a competent, caring, positive adult, most often a parent. This is because violence can jeopardize the development of a child s ability to think and solve problems, but with the support of good parenting by either a parent or other significant adult, a childs cognitive and social development can progress.It is important as professionals that children are listened to, taken seriously and are kept advised and involved in decisions Mullender et al (2000) pointed out that professional lack sensibility to children who do not feel noticed or supported appropriately. Professionals need training on how to communicate to children to experience domestic violence by using language which will allow them to talk openly. Children want their voices to be heard as this will allow children to disclose any violence Mullender et al (2002) stated that listening to children who have lived with domestic violence has meant not only hearing voices that were silent but seeing other cases of violence from a child-centred perspective (p 206). Nevertheless when assessing childs needs, it is important to consider support for the fam ily Holt et al (2008) and Humphreys and Mullender (2001) both suggested that it is essential to provide an holistic assessment that will take into account the risk and protective factors in each family, especially the mother and child. Likewise Hester et al (2000) suggested that any intervention strategy needs to be individualised to children family context and should focus on stabilising the home environment to minimise disruption.They are several service and support for children who have/are experiencing domestic violence such as the hide out, family care support, NSPCC guidance for children and counselling and strong families programme. The hide out is a child brotherly website for children and young people, it was created by Womens Aid to help children and young people to understand domestic abuse, and how to take positive action if its happening to you.Stronger families programme is a 12 week therapeutic group programme from children and mothers who have experienced domestic violence. The aim is to achieve safety, empowerment and a safe place to discuss feelings. It helps towards the reparation to mother child relationship through a mother and child group. It is an inter-agency collaborative model that is offered throughout Nottingham city. The Stronger Families programme is ground on the successful model originally initiated in Ontario, Canada. The Community theme programme for children exposed to women abuse has over 20 years of experience and research. It is based on early research by Peter Jaffe et al in London Ontario. In 1986 number 1 manual and groups for children, 1996 favourable paygrade and in 1997 practitioners manual published. The London borough of Sutton has been instrumental in introducing the programme for children affected by domestic violence in the UK. Nottingham is now one of the first areas in the UK to offer the full group treatment programme to local mothers and children. In 1996 the programme was evaluated and it was found th at children improved their ability to identify abusive actions and behaviours and children improved in their strategies to manage interpersonal conflict. Overall there was a positive satisfaction post group from both mothers and children.To improve the outcomes of domestic violence for children and young people, professional need to make children more aware of domestic violence and where to get help/support if they or friends are experiencing violence, especially in the community for example schools or places young people are more likely to go. McGee (2000) suggested that children and young people need more information about domestic violence and leaflets should be avialblae thorough schools and community, whilst Humphreys and Mullender (2001) suggested that superlative awareness in youth settings is another to help change people attitudes.Young people suggested that an educational campaign involving discussion about the media ram and peoples attitudes towards violence (Mullender et al, 2000) similarly McGee (2000) recommended the need to have a public education campaign which is aimed at adults and children to address domestic violence, for example the Zero valuation account campaign in schools, media campaign to direct young people for support and information and raising awareness as well as providing support in schools for children experiencing domestic violence.