Domestic violence
Gildersome Primary School has adopted the Morley CATSS Cluster policy for Domestic Violence and Abuse. Where there are issues with domestic violence we will do our best to support children, adults and families.
PLEASE REMEMBER that Domestic Abuse isn't always physical violence - this can be mental abuse, neglect, invasion of personal space such as checking mobile phones or controlling aspects of home life such as money.
If you are a victim of domestic abuse and would like to speak confidentially with a member of the Safeguarding Team please contact school or just call in.
Leeds Domestic Abuse Helpline - 0113 246 0401
OPERATION ENCOMPASS - DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND ABUSE - SCHOOL NOTIFICATION SYSTEM
Gildersome Primary School is part of a Leeds initiative that runs jointly between schools and West Yorkshire Police. This initiative has been established to support children who are resident in households where there are alleged incidents of domestic violence and abuse. We know that children can be significantly physically or emotionally hurt by directly witnessing, or indirectly hearing, incidents of domestic abuse.
The Domestic Violence and Abuse School Notification System has been designed to provide confidential notification to schools of any alleged domestic abuse incidents which occur within a child’s household, as these incidents are likely to have an impact on the child while they are in school.
Notifying the school will ensure that a member of our Child Protection/Safeguarding Team can make provision to support children, or their families, when they have been involved in or witnessed an alleged domestic violence or abuse incident.
We are keen to offer the best support possible to our pupils and families and continue to develop a designated support area for victims of domestic abuse on our school website.
If there are any incidences of domestic abuse involving any of our families, the school is informed and we contact those involved to let them know we are aware of the situation and that we are there for help and support if needed.
West Yorkshire Police have provided the following link where perpetrators of domestic abuse can get help and support:
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/antisocial-behaviour-and-crime/domestic-violence-and-abuse
You may also find these websites useful:
www.westyorkshire.police.uk/domesticabuse
https://www.behind-closed-doors.org.uk/
Here is the letter that we send out on a regular basis to inform parents and carers about Operation Encompass within our school.
We are aware that this period of lockdowns may well be difficult form some families. Across the UK there has been a fall in the number of people contacting services for advice and support on domestic violence.
Safer Leeds have updated their website to include useful information for victims of Domestic Violence and people delivering services. Please click the link below to access their services.