Staffordshire Police have launched a project in partnership with local education authorities to safeguard and secure children who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Operation Encompass, which was launched on Monday 1st February is a police and education partnership which ensures that a child’s school is informed, prior to the start of the next school day, that there has been an incident of domestic abuse to which the child or young person has been exposed.

Each school is informed of all domestic abuse incidents, not just those where an offence can be identified or those which are graded as high risk. The partnership recognises that all incidents of domestic abuse can be harmful to children and young people.

The information from the police is passed via telephone call to the school’s designated safeguarding lead or their deputy (known as a key adult). This ensures the information is passed to someone who has the relevant safeguarding training and who understands how to manage confidential information in line with other child protection information.

Abbey Hulton Primary School are proud to be part of Operation Encompass. We strive to implement early support for all children who are involved in domestic abuse incidents. Even hearing a domestic abuse incident can be highly traumatising for a child or young person.

If you believe somebody you know is a victim or a perpetrator of domestic abuse, please phone the Children’s advice and Duty Service on 01782 235100. If you hear or witness domestic abuse anywhere, please phone 999 to report.