Signs of abuse - safe guarding/child protection

Children who have faced domestic violence can be confused and have doubts that the abused parent won’t be able to protect them. Exposure to DV puts a child to various emotional, social and behavioural risks.

Signs of abuse to look for:

Having family and community support can help a child cope and build resilience to traumatic events such as domestic violence. Presence of a protective and nurturing adult is crucial to a child’s resilience. Other factors that adds as a protective factors are- Positive support groups such as religious groups, sports groups, coaching centre, mentorship programmes etc

Do not avoid talking about domestic violence to your child. They may misunderstand and might blame themselves for the violence or might feel ashamed of their family and choose to remain silent. It is okay to ask children about how they feel and think. Also if possible do not talk about specifics of the violent incident in front of the children. Let them know that it is not their fault and that violence is not ok.

Resources in the Cayman Islands

If you or your child is facing Domestic Violence call Crisis Centre number 943-2422 which provides crisis counselling and guidance, and provides safe shelter. Crisis Centre also has a Children and Youth Programme (CAYP), which provides intervention and prevention services for school aged students who either witnessed or are victims of domestic abuse. It focuses on safety and wellbeing of the children who accompany the parent to shelter. CAPY helps with anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms and promotes healthy growth and development in supportive setting. The CAYP teaches non-violent social skills and increases knowledge about child abuse and prevention.

After Care Programme

It aims to provide follow up care to former emergency shelter clients, who have been victims of domestic abuse and are starting their lives free of violence. The programme is designed to assist victims with crisis counselling, monthly psychological and educational support group.