October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a deeply painful reality that affects millions of lives, often behind closed doors.
At Innovating Minds, we believe it’s not just a month of awareness, it’s a call to action. Because domestic violence is not an isolated issue. It doesn’t discriminate by postcode, profession, or background. And its impact on children and young people can be lifelong.
The Hidden Victims: Children and Young People
When we talk about domestic violence, the focus often falls on adult survivors. But children and young people are frequently the silent witnesses—and sometimes direct victims—of abuse in the home. The trauma they experience can shape their emotional development, relationships, and mental health well into adulthood.
Exposure to domestic violence increase the likelihood of:
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Anxiety and depression
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Difficulty forming trusting relationships
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Poor academic performance
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risk of self-harm or substance misuse
Why Awareness Alone Isn’t Enough
Raising awareness is vital—but it must be paired with early help. That’s where Innovating Minds comes in. Through our Healing Together programme and Clinical Supervision support, we work with professionals and families to create safe, trauma-informed environments where children and young people can begin to heal.
Early help means:
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Recognising the impact of trauma early
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Providing safe spaces for trauma to process through the body
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Equipping professionals with tools to respond using evidence based approaches
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Supporting families to break cycles of abuse
Domestic Violence Doesn’t Fit One Profile
It’s important to remember: domestic violence isn’t confined to one type of household. It can affect families from all walks of life, regardless of income, culture, or education. That’s why our approach is inclusive, accessible, and rooted in compassion and empathy.
Whether you're a teacher, social worker, parent, or carer, you have a role to play in spotting the signs and supporting healing.
What You Can Do This October
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Learn: Explore resources on trauma-informed practice and how they can be applied to support children and families affected by domestic violence.
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Safety: Create space for children and young people to feel safe enough that they can start to heal the trauma wounds.
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Act: Support families to access early help services that are offering trauma informed interventions Healing Together.
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Curious: Spend more time being curious about the impact of domestic abuse has on a child and the grieving process they go through.
A Message of Hope
Domestic violence may leave deep wounds, but with the right support, healing is possible. When we invest in early help, we don’t just change one life—we change generations.
This October, let’s stand together. Let’s raise awareness, offer compassion, and commit to early intervention. Because every child deserves to feel safe, heard, and supported.
Contact us to discuss how we can work together to support children and young people affected by domestic abuse.
