Domestic Violence
In conjunction with Merseyside Police, Holy Rosary is involved in an initiative called Operation Encompass. The purpose of Operation Encompass is to safeguard and support children and young people who have been involved in, heard or witnessed a domestic abuse incident. Following such an incident, children can arrive at school distressed, upset, worried and unprepared. Operation Encompass aims to ensure that appropriate school staff (called Key Adults) are made aware early enough to support children and young people in a way that means they feel safe and included. This is a valuable initiative that means we can continue to support and help children and families within our school community when they need it the most. You can find out more by visiting Operation Encompass or by contacting our Key Adult.
The trained KEY ADULTS at Holy Rosary Primary school are:
Mrs Spalenice
Mrs Stevenson
NSPCC link below gives information on types of domestic abuse, signs and effects of domestic abuse and how children are now recognised as victims of domestic abuse. It gives details of support organisations.
In Sefton, we have many agencies who support people who are experiencing domestic abuse:
Sefton Independent Domestic Violence Advisors [IDVA] offer free crisis intervention support to high-risk victims of domestic abuse, provide practical help including safety planning for the whole family, support through the Criminal Justice System, and home security checks. They work with male and female victims aged 16+ and work with victims even if they choose to remain in their relationship. They can be contacted by phone on 0151 934 5142 between Monday and Friday 9.00am until 5.00pm or at IDVA.Team@sefton.gov.uk
Sefton Women & Children’s Aid [SWACA] help women, young people and children survive the impact of domestic violence and abuse by giving free practical and emotional support. SWACA will see people in the community, including the family and well-being centres. They also work with young people who are experiencing relationship abuse and can visit children in school. They can be contacted on 0151 922 8606 or help@swaca.com
Rape and Sexual Abuse Centre (RASA) provides essential crisis and therapeutic support to individuals of all ages who have been affected by sexual violence at any time in their lives. This includes specialised counselling, support, and an Independent Sexual Violence Advocacy (ISVA) service, which includes support through the Criminal Justice process. They also provide an opportunity to give anonymous intelligence in relation to sexual violence if an individual does not want to make a formal complaint. They operate a help line on Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm until 8pm, Friday 12noon until 2pm, Sunday 10am until 3pm. They can be contacted on 0151 558 1801 or sefton@rasamerseyside.org
Refuge is the largest domestic abuse organisation in the UK. Refuge runs the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, which can be called free of charge and in confidence, 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247. Its website provides guidance and support for potential victims, as well as those who are worried about friends and loved ones. It also has a form through which a safe time from the team for a call can be booked.