The children of domestic violence survivors are now receiving dedicated, specialist support of their own – in addition to support services provided to their mum – under a new program designed to address the unique needs of young kids and adolescents.
The Marshall Liberal Government’s $1.5 million Safe and Well Kids program was established in recognition of the significant number of women presenting for DV support with accompanying children.
A team of experts are providing “wrap around” support to children and adolescents who have experienced domestic and family violence, including child-focused case managers, Aboriginal family workers and social workers.
In its first three months, Safe and Well Kids has already supported 15 families and is set to help up to 150 families over the next year.
Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink said the Marshall Liberal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to support at-risk women and children in South Australia.
“Domestic violence has a ripple effect that extends well beyond the direct hurt to women, leaving their children vulnerable to devastating emotional, mental and physical harm,” said Minister Lensink.
“Most frontline domestic violence services are understandably focussed on the needs of our at-risk women, however children and adolescents exposed to violence and abuse in the family home need our support too – and that’s why we’re are targeting this new program to help them.
“It’s clear that domestic, family and sexual violence is still prevalent in our homes and in our communities and as a Government, we are determined to tackle this insidious scourge.”
Women and their children are referred to the program by Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA) case managers, with the program soon set to expand and open up to more direct referrals from the DV Crisis Line and crisis accommodation clients.
The program provides practical help including access to therapeutic programs appropriate for children, legal advice and support to enrol children in early childhood education.
Assistant Minister for Domestic and Family Prevention Carolyn Power said the program provides practical help including access to therapeutic programs appropriate for children, legal advice and support to enrol children in early childhood education.
“For women recovering from the trauma of domestic violence, and shouldering the responsibility of single parenting, seemingly simple things – like help with enrolling a child in daycare and applying for subsidies to cover the cost – can make a tremendous difference in their day to day life,” said Mrs Power.
“It also makes an enormous difference to the children, who then have a safe space to learn, play and socialise – the fundamental experiences of childhood that all kids should have.”
Safe and Well Kids is delivered by WSSSA together with the Legal Services Commission of South Australia and Relationships Australia (SA).
In its first three months of operation, Safe and Well Kids has supported children who:
- were aged 1-5 years (50%)
- were aged 6-12 years (42.5%)
- identified as Aboriginal (47.5%)
- were from a culturally and linguistically diverse background (15%).
Safe and Well case study:
Note: all identifying information, including names, has been changed for privacy reasons
Mary and her three children (aged between three and four months) were living together in transitional housing after fleeing domestic violence. The children had witnessed a man physically and verbally abuse their mother, including the threat to kill. All three children exhibited concerning behaviours to some extent.
Mary was referred to the Safe and Well Kids program as her case manager was concerned that the children had been exposed to significant trauma and would benefit from therapeutic support and early childhood education.
Under the Safe and Well Kids program, therapeutic support was provided to all three children, including the two older children, while Mary and her baby participated in infant massage classes.
The children’s case manager found a suitable local childcare centre and helped enrol the children, so that they could have access to early childhood education and Mary could have some respite and time to attend to her own needs. The children’s case manager also assisted Mary to access Federal Government childcare subsidies so that she could afford the childcare fees.
The two older children enjoyed the therapeutic program, becoming more positively engaged with Mary, and the baby exhibited noticeable changes, such as smiling and interacting with his siblings.
