Raising Awareness of Children as Hidden Victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse in Europe

Key Speakers

	Dr. Christine Harrison, Deputy Director, Centre for Study of Safety and Well-being; Chair of School of Health and Social Studies, University of Warwick, UK
	Ms. Margaret Tuite, Commission Coordinator for the Rights of the Child, DG Justice, European Commission
	Ms. Gordana Berjan, Children’s Rights Policies Division, Council of Europe
	Ms. Sietske Dijkstra, Psychologist and lecturer in Domestic violence and Inter-agency work at Avans, University of Applied Sciences, The Netherlands
	Ms. Claire Healy, Research Officer, International Centre for Migration Development Policy, Austria
	Ms. Heather Coady, Children’s Policy, Scottish Women’s Aid, UK
	Mrs. Corinne Dettmeijer-Vermeulen, Dutch National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings

Children make up one fifth of the population of the EU and as some of the most vulnerable members of society, they require particular protection. In Europe, ten to twenty per cent of children are expected to be victims of violence during their childhood. Every year, hundreds of millions of children are exposed to domestic violence at home, and this has a profound impact on their lives and hopes for the future.

In many cases, when domestic violence occurs within the household children are either present or within earshot. Children are either victims of witnessing violence or are directly affected and abused. They may have their lives disrupted by moving or being separated from parents, may be used by the aggressor to manipulate or gain control over the victims, and they themselves are more likely to be abused.

Although the consequences of violence for children may vary according to its nature and severity, the short and long-term repercussions are in most cases grave and damaging. Whilst the devastating effects of domestic violence on women are well documented, far less is known about the impact on children who witness a person being subjected to violence. Research shows that children who are exposed to violence in the home may suffer a range of severe and lasting effects. Children who are not direct victims have some of the same behavioural and psychological problems as children who are themselves physically abused. Several studies also reveal that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to be affected by violence as adults – either as victims or perpetrators.

Violence in the home is one of the most pervasive human rights challenges of our time. It remains a largely hidden problem that few countries, communities or families openly confront. Seeking to address the problem, the European Commission is in its third phase of the Daphne Programme aiming to prevent and combat all forms of violence towards children and women.

This timely International Symposium will analyse the existing challenges in shaping comprehensive and holistic strategies and toolkits for assessing, preventing and protecting cases of violence and abuse towards children in a domestic environment. It will focus on the role of international and regional organisations along with analysing existing consequences and effects on children. Collecting reliable data on this hidden issue poses several challenges and this will be an invaluable opportunity to share best practices.

The Symposium will support the exchange of ideas and encourage delegates to engage in thought-provoking topical debate with local and regional practitioners and policymakers at EU level.

Delegates will:

• Explore the current strategy and outlook for tackling domestic violence with children being the direct and indirect victims – including policy developments
• Understand the challenges, typologies of child violence and abuse, possible solutions and prevention scenarios
• Exchange good practices from cross-border projects and analyse comparative knowledge of shaping child-friendly services and environments
• Utilise the added value of major stakeholders, international and regional organisations in delineating holistic strategies for empowering child victims of domestic violence and abuse

Programme

Who Should Attend?

• Women Refugees and Advice Centres
• Domestic Violence Co-ordinators
• Youth Services
• Housing Officers
• Family Courts
• Police Service, Police Authorities and Fire Services
• Probation Officers
• Child Protection Agencies
• Families Services Officers
• Family Advice Centres
• Sure Start, Children's Trusts and Children's Centres
• Health Service Professionals
• Child Welfare Research Centres
• Victim Support Representatives
• Community Cohesion and Development Organisations
• Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnerships
• Community Safety Teams
• Neighbourhood Policing Teams
• Anti-Social Behaviour Coordinators
• Drug and Alcohol Action Teams
• Youth Offending Teams
• Community Support Officers
• Children and Youth Services
• Housing Associations
• Social Workers and Social Services Officers
• Local Education Welfare Authorities
• Teachers and Head Teachers
• Criminal Justice Practitioners
• Judges and Magistrates
• Legal Professionals
• Local Authority Officers and Councillors
• Central Government Departments and Agencies
• Equality and Diversity Practitioners
• Academics and Researchers