Family Support

Have experiences of Domestic Violence had an impact on your life?

Have your children also been affected?

Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid has developed a Family Support Project which is available to help and support women and children who have been affected by the experience of domestic violence.

Children are affected by domestic violence/ abuse experiences, whether they have been abused themselves or have witnessed other family members being abused.

Children show they are affected by these experiences in many different ways. They will have their own fears and worries about their experiences. They will often feel confused and anxious and may not understand what is happening to them and their family.

At times, when changes have taken place in children’s lives or they are trying to make sense of their situation, they may begin to behave differently at home and/ or school. Sometimes the family relationships can also be affected as everyone is trying to cope with difficult times.

Women and children who are or have been experiencing domestic violence may often feel isolated and that no-one will understand. Many people also feel ashamed and confused and that they are at fault. It is important to remember women and children are never to blame for the abuse they experience.

You or your child may have concerns about contacting us for support; for example, worries about confidentiality, about being judged and about your rights regarding your children. The Family Support Worker can discuss these issues with you at your first meeting.

If you feel your family has been affected by the experience of domestic violence/ abuse, the Family Support Project is here to help and support you.

The project can help you by:

• providing time and space for your children to talk about their thoughts and feelings
• providing play, fun and focussed activities
• addressing issues around the effects of domestic violence on your children and ways of managing those appropriately
• supporting you and your children in taking steps to develop positive family relationships
• providing opportunities for your children to put their experiences into perspective
• listening to worries and concerns you have about your children and helping you to consider ways of moving forward
• promoting self-esteem and confidence
• providing opportunities for you and your children to meet others who have similar experiences

For more information, telephone 0121 685 8551.