As a worker, when evaluating a young person’s issue, what do you need to be mindful of? Select one:
Physical and
mental
health
Language Social skills
Behavioural issues
Education levels
All of the above
Answers
Children and young people are impacted by family violence even if they are not the direct target of the violence.
Working with children is a highly specialised, complex practice. While this page provides an overview of some of the considerations, undertaking professional training will provide the comprehensive knowledge and skills you need to work effectively with mothers and children.
Family Violence Protection Act 2008
According to Victoria’s Family Violence Protection Act 2008, family violence includes behaviour by a person that causes a child to hear, witness or otherwise be exposed to the effects of violence after the violence has occurred.
”Witnessing” family violence includes when a child or young person is exposed to:
Seeing the consequences of the violence (bruising, distress, damaged property etc.)
Witnessing their mother/father lying about how the mothers injuries occurred
Sensing their mother’s fear
Living with the effects of violence on the health and parenting capacity of their mother
Having favourite belongings destroyed.
A child or young person may also be used by the perpetrator as a way to maintain power and control. Tactics include:
Using the child as a hostage or as a means of ensuring the mother returns home
Forcing a child to watch or participate in assaults
Interrogating or involving the child in spying on mother
Undermining the mother by encouraging negative opinions of her abilities and appearance.