Office: 01267 238410
24 hour helpline: 01267 234725
Support For Children & Young People
Did you know
the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children as victims in their own right?
Welcome to our page about Domestic abuse. We hope that you find it informative. If you would like any further information please get in touch.
CarmDAS provides a dedicated service for children and young people who live in an abusive household or who've been subjected to domestic abuse.
Who is the service for?
Our service offers specialist support for children and young people aged 0-25 years and their families, who've been affected in any way by domestic abuse. We understand that children who are exposed to domestic abuse can experience a range of challenges affecting both their physical and mental health and wellbeing. We also know the sooner children and young people receive the right support, the sooner they start to recover. These links provide more information about the effects of domestic abuse on children.
Effects of domestic abuse on children | Barnardo's
Protecting children from domestic abuse | NSPCC Learning
How do we support children & young people?
Our team offers a safe, supportive and welcoming environment for children of all ages to engage in fun activities and informative sessions, where they can talk feely and be listened to without judgement. We deliver a range of tailored one to one support sessions and group programmes that help children explore and process their feelings and emotions, learn about healthy relationships and recover from domestic abuse. Topics include: safety, self-esteem, worries, managing and coping with difficult emotions and developing resilience. Children and parents can choose the type of support they want.
How do we support parents and carers?
Our whole family approach means, alongside our work with children and young people, we also support non-abusive parents and carers to understand their child's responses to domestic abuse and how trauma affects their child’s feelings, emotions and behaviours. We focus on early intervention and prevention, reaching out at critical moments to help stop the cycle of abuse from continuing through to generations to come.
By working together, we can help families protect themselves and protect their children, strengthening their relationships and giving children the best chance of safer, happier futures. We believe every child and young person deserves to feel safe, valued and heard. We work with families to make that possible.
Our 1-1 support is personalised to meet each child's individual needs. This tailored approach ensures that children receive the right kind of help, at their own pace, in a way that feels safe, supportive and empowering. For more information, please contact us on 01267 238410, Option 2 for our Children & Young People's Team.
We also accept referrals from schools, colleges and professionals.
Useful apps and resources for children and parents:
Calm Kids: Calm is fun - Mindfulness for children
Chill Panda – Reducing anxiety and improving well being in Children through a fun gaming app
Family Support can include:
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Bringing together children, young people, parents and practitioners to support the family's needs
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Helping non abusive parents and carers to understand the impact of domestic abuse on their children/whole family
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Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma
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Developing resilience & support networks
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Fun family activities
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Emotional & practical support
1-1 Support for Children & Young People can include:
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Tailored child centred support for children 0-18 years
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Empowering children to feel valued and respected
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Teaching children about healthy relationships
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Helping children to understand their feelings and emotions
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Teaching children healthy coping strategies
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Helping children to build trusted relationships with adults
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Referrals to other interventions such as Play Therapy
Group Programmes for Children & Young People:
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Our group programmes are specifically designed to teach children and young people about safety, trust and respect in relationships
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All of our groups help children and young people to build their confidence, resilience and emotional well being
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If you know a child or young person (8-25 years) who may benefit from a group programme please get in touch
THE DASH PROGRAMME Funded by Families First the DASH Programme in Carmarthenshire supports children aged 4-16 affected by domestic abuse, through one-to-one sessions, group support and fun activities. The programme helps children to understand their emotions and learn about healthy relationships, also strengthening their relationships with parents or caregivers.
STAR GROUP Provides a number of programmes for children and young people, aimed at addressing and preventing domestic abuse. It teaches children and young people about the importance of safety, trust and respect and that domestic abuse is not their fault. Topics include domestic abuse, gender stereotypes, sexting, sexual consent and healthy realtionships.
DRAWING & TALKING THERAPY This is a gentle therapeutic approach that allows children and young people to express difficult feelings and emotions through drawing and talking. The programme runs for 12 weeks with each session lasting 30 minutes. It can provide children with a healthy outlet for processing trauma and coping with difficult life experiences, supporting them to heal and recover.
CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES We provide fun indoor and outdoor activities for children of all ages to explore, learn and play in a safe environment. We also visit local parks, beaches and places of interest and hold parties, trips and outings for children and families receiving support.
RESPECT YOUNG PEOPLE'S Programme (RYPP) The RYPP is an intervention that supports families where young people aged 8–18 show abusive behaviours towards their parents or carers. The programme helps families work together to end the abuse by improving communication and developing respectful, positive ways to handle conflict.
PLAY THERAPY Suitable for children 3-12 years, play therapy gives children a safe environment to use play as a supportive tool. In these sessions children use play as their language for expressing difficult thoughts and feelings in their own way and in their own time. All sessions are facilitated by a qualified Play Therapist.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, recognises children as victims in their own right, not just witnesses. At CarmDAS we know that children who are exposed to domestic abuse can experience a range of short term and long term difficulties, affecting both their physical and mental health.
Our Team
Our Children and Young People's Team is made up of dedicated child practitioners, a qualified Play Therapist and an experienced Team Leader; specifically trained to provide support and information in all of these areas and more:
Plan
Personal safety for children, young people and their families
Advocacy with schools & professionals around the needs and wishes of children & young people
Emotional & practical support for children & young people
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Information and support to schools, colleges and universities on healthy relationships
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Fun indoor & outdoor groups and activities for children, young people & families
Understanding the impact of violence, abuse & trauma on children & young people
Helping children to settle into emergency accommodation
Referrals & signposting including mental health services for children & young people
This video gives examples of what is meant by Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
This video contains references to domestic abuse, which some viewers may find distressing
If you're concerned that a child or young person may be in danger call the police on 999. For more information see Reporting child abuse and neglect | NSPCC
Childline can support any child up to the age of 19 with a wide range of issues. See Contacting Childline or contact their freephone on 0800 1111
