Domestic Abuse

We define domestic abuse as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer. It is very common. In the vast majority of cases it is experienced by women and is perpetrated by men.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

When talking about Domestic Abuse we must always remember that children are also victims. Often children are present and witness domestic abuse incidents. This trauma is then difficult for children to manage. Children may feel that they cannot attend school as they struggle to concentrate or may be worried about a parent or sibling whilst they are not at home.

Highfields School are part of West Midlands Police Operation Encompass. This means that if police are called to a domestic abuse incident they will inform the school, regardless of if the child was present or not. This then gives our Safeguarding Team the opportunity to speak to students to check on welfare and offer any support that may be needed.

Support Available

If you’re a victim of Domestic Abuse or you are worried about this then please speak to a member of The Safeguarding Team. The Team will support students and offer advice and support to parents/ carers.