Noticeboard

●● A POLICE operation has been launched to ensure children who witness domestic violence are given the support they need at school.

Operation Encompass is funded by the Complex Dependency Programme via Cheshire East Council, and will see nurseries, schools and colleges across Cheshire East better able to support pupils who may have been affected by domestic violence.

Children and young people who have experienced domestic violence can face both long and short-term cognitive, behavioural and emotional effects and having a trusted adult to turn to for support, away from the family setting, can play a key support role.

By informing schools of any incidents that Police officers are called to, Operation Encompass ensures that there is a level of understanding and support already in place following any incidents.

Chief Constable of Cheshire Police, Simon Byrne, said: “It is vital that we invest in the long-term welfare of the most vulnerable children in Cheshire.

“Only by protecting young people from the impact of domestic abuse in the home can we hope to break the cycle of this devastating and destructive crime.

“Operation Encompass builds on the work that we already do and allows officers to take action to ensure that children, who find themselves in these challenging and upsetting situations, have a brighter future.”

Funding has supported two dedicated members of staff who, following a domestic incident, make contact with the relevant school and communicate necessary information to nominated, fully-trained school staff. Cheshire Police currently receive more than 1,000 calls a month relating to alleged domestic violence and abuse.