York schools join scheme to protect young victims of domestic abuse

Children often feel left responsible for a parent or carer when they witness domestic abuse.

Operation Encompass is a joint initiative which involves North Yorkshire Police and City of York Children’s Safeguarding Board and was first piloted in the city at the start of the year.

It will see the police force’s safeguarding officers share information with key adults in schools, following incidents of domestic abuse where a child between the ages of four and 18-years-old has been directly involved or has been a witness or present to domestic abuse.

All schools in York will be writing to parents to inform them of the initiative.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder said he hoped the initiative could be rolled out to all schools in North Yorkshire by the end of the year.

Detective Chief Inspector Allan Harder, deputy head of safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Domestic abuse ruins lives. The impact can be far reaching and affect many individuals, not just those immediately involved.

“Operation Encompass is the sharing of information with key safeguarding individuals in schools, who can ensure any necessary support needed for the child is provided.

“Safeguarding Officers from North Yorkshire Police will identify all domestic incidents in which a child has been involved, witnessed or present, and ensure the key individual at the child’s school is informed prior to the start of the following school day.

“This can only be a positive in supporting children across York, and will help to reduce the impact domestic abuse can have on them.”

Simon Westwood, independent chairman of the City of York Safeguarding Children Board, said: “Children are often the hidden victims of domestic abuse. They wrongly often feel a responsibility to protect a parent or carer. Operation Encompass will enable schools to provide early support for children and young people while other agencies intervene to tackle the abuse.”

At present, Operation Encompass includes all schools, both primary and secondary, in York. Work is underway to incorporate the city’s independent schools.

North Yorkshire Police is also working with North Yorkshire County Council to include all schools across North Yorkshire and it is hoped this will be rolled out later in the year.