 The family protection unit is part of the new pilot project |
A pilot project in Dumfries and Galloway has set out to help what it sees as some often-ignored victims of domestic abuse. The Getting It Right for Every Child scheme hopes to help children and young adults caught in such situations.
The project - covering Nithsdale and Annandale and Eskdale - is one of only four being run across the country.
It aims to bring together all agencies to offer quicker and better help to the children concerned.
Research has shown that in 90% of domestic abuse cases children are in the same or next room during a violent attack.
 |  No one, especially children, should be a victim in their own home and we do not want this to continue |
Police are frequently one of the first groups called to such situations.
That is why the new project is staffed by a team manager and administrator based within the Family Protection Unit at Loreburn Street police station in Dumfries.
Chief Social Work Officer Beth Smith, who also chairs the project board, said such close working could help co-ordinate the effort between agencies.
"Often police officers are the first outside group involved and they will play a crucial role in shaping what happens afterwards," she said.
It is then hoped the pilot scheme can ensure children get "the help they need, when they need it".
Often it is the youngest children who are witnesses to domestic abuse.
 Domestic abuse has a large impact on children who witness it |
A police study in December 2006 showed that 50% of children involved in reported local domestic abuse cases were not even primary school age and 6% were under 12 months old.
"Living with or witnessing domestic abuse will have a significant impact on many children and young people," said Det Insp Katrina Close of the family protection unit.
"Older boys may become overly violent whereas older girls may start to self-harm.
"Children will generally learn what they live with."
She said she hoped the new scheme could help stop that.
"With the introduction of this pilot project we hope to bring this pattern to a halt," she said.
It is a problem which the police say can remain hidden.
"Often a victim, regardless if they are male or female, will be reluctant to come forward," said Det Con Kelly Douglas.
| Don't stand for it and as soon as you feel threatened contact local police |
"This could be down to a number of reasons, whether they may feel shame, embarrassment or simply do not want to accept that a loved one can be responsible for such an attack.
"No one, especially children, should be a victim in their own home and we do not want this to continue."
Iraina McGroarty from South West Rape Crisis and Sexual Abuse Centre said such incidents could have long-lasting effects.
"Children are affected by domestic abuse too and the effects do not just go away after the abuse has stopped," she said.
She welcomed the pathfinder project as did Helen Hutchison of Dumfries and Stewartry Women's Aid.
"This new project is a welcome addition in protecting the most vulnerable of people against a traumatic experience," she said.
Report incidents
Det Insp Bill Sturgeon, head of the police family protection unit, said the key message was for people to report incidents as soon as possible.
"Don't stand for it and as soon as you feel threatened contact local police," he said.
"Domestic abuse is a crime - don't tolerate it, seek help.
"We are here to assist and our staff are trained and patient to listen and help anyone who may be suffering."
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