Supporting Children and Young People Affected by Domestic Abuse
While the effects of domestic abuse on adults are widely recognised, children and young people who witness or experience it can also face lasting emotional and psychological harm.
It’s estimated that around one in five children in the UK are exposed to domestic abuse at some point during their childhood. This can have a profound impact on their wellbeing, development, and ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
At Jump Up, we believe every child deserves a safe space to talk, heal, and grow. Our qualified teachers and coaches are specially trained to help children process their emotions and build confidence through supportive and structured programmes.
Our Approach
Children may not be able to forget what they’ve witnessed, but with the right support, they can learn to manage their feelings and develop resilience. The earlier they receive guidance, the better their chances of achieving positive mental and emotional wellbeing in adulthood.
We provide tailored programmes that help children and young people understand healthy relationships, recognise unsafe behaviours, and learn how to seek help when needed.
Youth Awareness
Our Domestic Abuse Awareness for Youth programme uses engaging, age-appropriate activities and discussions to help children aged 8 and above understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy relationships.
The full programme runs across four sessions, though it can be adapted to meet individual or group needs.
Aims of the programme:
- Build understanding of what domestic abuse is, its causes, and its effects.
- Help young people recognise abusive behaviours and protect themselves from harm.
- Encourage recognition of positive, respectful behaviours in healthy relationships.
- Provide information about where and how to get help and support.
Early Years Support (Ages 5–10)
Younger children often struggle to express their emotions after witnessing abuse. This programme helps them explore feelings safely through creative, play-based sessions. Each session is designed to be fun, engaging, and supportive, while helping children:
- Understand what abuse means in simple terms.
- Learn who they can trust and talk to when they need help.
- Develop confidence, empathy, and self-worth.
Our caring teachers and coaches guide children through every step, helping them talk about their experiences in a safe and nurturing environment.
Family Healing Programme (Ages 8–18 and Parents)
This programme supports both parents and children affected by domestic abuse, helping families rebuild relationships and recover together.
Adults attend a series of four two-hour sessions (more can be provided if needed), focusing on:
- Understanding trauma and its effects.
- Building emotional resilience and positive coping strategies.
- Managing stress and strengthening parent-child attachment.
- Adopting nurturing, supportive parenting styles.
After the adult sessions, children take part in their own age-appropriate activities that mirror the themes of emotional regulation, resilience, self-esteem, and healthy connections.
Sessions may include group discussions, creative projects, or games — all designed to help children feel heard, valued, and empowered.
Find Out More
If you’d like to learn more about our programmes or how our qualified teachers and coaches can support your child or family, please get in touch through our Contact Us page or follow the link below.
Together, we can help children find their voice, rebuild trust, and move forward with confidence.