Refuge children's service

When a woman is abused, if she has children, they are also affected.  Not only have they probably witnessed the abuse of their mother, but they are also likely to have been abused themselves.

Worthing Women’s Aid finds that when mothers arrive at the refuge, their children are withdrawn and show signs of being scared, or they behave in an aggressive, challenging way.

The refuge runs a children’s service which aims to provide 1—18 year olds with a safe space with secure boundaries.  It also supports the children and young people in dealing with their experiences.  Once their fundamental need for a safe space is met, and they are respected and listened to, they learn to trust, and are able to develop positive relationships.

Worthing Together LSP allocated £21,250 of ‘Choosing Health’ funding to Worthing Women’s Aid to help sustain the valuable work of their children’s service.

The service, which has two part-time child support workers, is child led:  children’s needs are individually assessed, and support plans are drawn up.  These are reviewed at intervals.

One to one and group support is given to all children throughout their stay at the refuge.  One of the child support workers has a certificate in play therapy.  Activities and outings are arranged for half term and during the summer.

One of the children at the refuge commented:  “I think the staff are friendly and really helpful. I think the one to one and group is great! I like Keeley and Janet as the workers”.

The child support workers also support the mums by finding local school and nursery places if required, and by providing them with advocacy when this is needed.

The children’s service is an essential part of the holistic approach which Worthing Women’s Aid has adopted.