Research shows importance of empowering children in domestic violence shelters

Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon said this research is the first to hear directly from children. Picture: Sasko Lazarov/RollingNews.ie

Children who have lived through the “horror and trauma of domestic abuse” must be given support to mitigate the long-term impacts of such experiences, a new report has found.

A Trinity College Dublin study, published on Monday, examined children and their transition to a women’s refuge and highlights, among other factors, the importance of play as therapy and empowering children to use their own voice.

It also emphasises the role of a dedicated children’s support worker in creating a safe space for children and women in refuge and supports them in making the transition to this new environment.

The report based on the Where I’m At project at Meath Women’s Refuge and Support Services showed that the experiences of children exposed to domestic violence are multifaceted and can have profound implications for their emotional wellbeing, behaviour, and overall development. The project, funded by the RTÉ Toy Show appeal, engaged with 80 children last year alone.

The study includes testimonies of women on how they came to be in the refuge and their experiences there.

One mother said: “Well, we came here with the gardaí, so it was our first time ever in a Garda car as well… the gardaí were so nice, they stopped in a shop and got jellies and a teddy each [for the children] and we came here at about four o’clock in the day.”

Another woman was asked if she felt welcome at the refuge, and she replied: “Well, it’s not a place that you every really want to be, and it’s not a phone call that you want to have but after you make that initial phone call [to the refuge] and you get here it is very welcoming. I suppose it’s more comforting than welcoming because you know you’re going to be (pause) I think you have an overwhelming sense of relief that you know that you’re going to be safe here and you’re going to get the help that you need in here.”

It said children require tailored support that acknowledges their unique experiences and empowers them to heal and thrive.

What's your view on this issue?

You can tell us here

The researchers said that the children, women, and staff at the refuge all emphasised the positive role of the children’s support worker, and they recommended this role be made available to children in all refuges in Ireland.

They found that the support for children also afforded women some private time to be able to engage with their own key worker about their safety plan and family requirements.

Ombudsman for Children Niall Muldoon said: “I am delighted to launch this research because it is the first time that we have heard directly from the children who are living through the horror and trauma of domestic abuse.

“This research clearly highlights that children are also victims of that abuse and need to be considered in the design and resourcing of domestic refuges.”