An NSPCC manager has given advice on the tell-tale signs of abuse among children.

She warned that there will be children in classrooms now experiencing domestic abuse at home.

The guidance was given by Lisa Strode, team manager at the NSPCC’s Domestic Abuse Recovery Together (DART) service.

The service helps parents and children to recover their relationship and start a new life together by understanding how they were affected by the abuse.

Changes in behaviour are tell-tale signs 

Lisa said: “Sometimes what children do is communicate what's happening in their world via their behaviour. 

“So you might have a child displaying behaviours that they see at home, like angry, intimidating behaviours in the playground. 

“But also you might have children that do the complete and utter opposite. They withdraw and become really isolated. 

“So what I would say is that although it's not easy to tell exactly what's going on, if there's a change in the children's behaviour, that will be a tell-tale sign that something isn't right. 

“So it's about making sure that those trusted adults around those children are noticing and checking in on them and giving them the opportunity to talk about what's happening in their world.”

There are children in classrooms now being abused

“I would say that there will be a number of children in classrooms that are experiencing domestic abuse at home.”, Lisa said.

“And I would say that probably schools are somewhat aware of children that might be struggling with something.”

However, spotting signs can be hard as children hide issues at home.

Lisa explained: “There will be so much secrecy, so much threat that ‘this is a secret we keep in the family. Don't tell anyone outside of the home.’”

Claire Tilney, DART children’s services practitioner, continued: “There can be fear that their family won’t be the same anymore.

“Although it's abusive and not healthy, it is their family and they don’t know any different.”

How can I help?

Schools can play a big role in providing trusted adults that children can go to.

But other adults can help too, said Lisa: “It's about making sure that those trusted adults around those children are noticing and checking in on them and giving them the opportunity to talk about what's happening in their world.”

If you have concerns about a child, you should call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk