Children at Risk from Domestic Violence and their Educational Attainment: Perspectives of Education Welfare Officers, Social Workers and Teachers

Abstract

Children who witness domestic violence may have impaired educational attainment as well as facing other challenges such as struggles with self-esteem and forming relationships. This qualitative study set in Northern Ireland explored the perceptions of Education Welfare Officers, child protection social workers and teachers in post-primary schools regarding the impact of domestic violence on schooling and educational attainment, and of service responses to this. The survey used semi-structured interviews with four professionals in each of the above categories. Findings confirmed the major effect that domestic violence can have on children's schooling and relationships. Two typical types of responses by children were identified: those who became quiet and withdrawn, and those who became loud and aggressive. There seemed to have been progress in terms of professional understanding and service responses regarding domestic violence, but there seemed to be limited structured cooperation between the professional groups in addressing the effects of domestic violence on children. Sharing of information is hindered by confidentiality issues, some of which might be addressed by integrated teams of appropriate professionals. Greater investment in inter-agency training and development of the preventive role of the Education Welfare Service are recommended.

Acknowledgements

This study was undertaken by the first author as part of a Masters in Social Work at Queen's University, Belfast. The authors would like to acknowledge the contribution of her tutor Dr Caroline Skehill. They would also like to acknowledge the contribution of Senior Education Welfare Officers from across Northern Ireland who attended a workshop provided recently by the second author, and whose anonymous informal comments provided a context and a spur for this paper to be written.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Dorothy Byrne

Dorothy Byrne is Senior Education Welfare Officer with the Belfast Education and Library Board

Brian Taylor

Dr Brian Taylor is Senior Lecturer in Social Work at the University of Ulster