The Forgotten Ones

Wednesday 12 March 08

Children are often forgotten in cases of domestic violence, a leading police officer has said.

A new campaign has just been launched by the PSNI; the message is:

"You don't have to be hit to be hurt"

Constable Morpus, Coleraine domestic violence officer, said: "We know from experience that domestic abuse affects as many as one in four families." The police are encouraging victims to seek help as soon as possible.

"Sometimes children who witness domestic violence are all but forgotten, as attention goes to the perceived victim, who is often the person with visible injuries," said Ms Morpus.

"It is widely understood that children who witness domestic violence within the home from a very young age can carry forward the emotional damage such scenes create, and sadly this can have a negative impact on the way they interact within their own adult relationships.

If you are experiencing domestic violence and need someone to talk to Northern Ireland's Womens Aid had a 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline: 0800 917 1414