Put safety before argument
If a child is in immediate danger, use emergency routes. Do not wait for a perfect evidence file.
Help Pathway
When children are near the pattern, move carefully and document clearly.
Use this route when children see, hear, experience, carry messages, are used for pressure, or are affected by coercive control, stalking, or family manipulation.
Record child impact separately
Record what the child saw, heard, said, changed, feared, avoided, or was asked to do. Keep adult interpretation separate.
Use safeguarding routes
Schools, health professionals, local authority safeguarding, police, and specialist services may all be relevant depending on risk.
Working Together
GOV.UK publishes statutory guidance for multi-agency work to safeguard children.
GOV.UK - Working together to safeguard childrenDomestic abuse guidance
Domestic Abuse Act statutory guidance explains that children can be recognised as victims when they see, hear, or experience the effects of domestic abuse.
GOV.UK - Domestic Abuse Act statutory guidanceReport child abuse
GOV.UK provides a local council route if you think a child or young person is at risk or is being abused or neglected.
GOV.UK - Report child abuse to a local councilAdult safeguarding
Where adults with care and support needs are at risk, Care Act safeguarding guidance may also matter.
GOV.UK - Care and support statutory guidanceYoungMinds
Mental health support information for young people, parents, and carers.
YoungMinds - mental health supportMolly Rose Foundation
Suicide prevention charity focused on young people and online harm awareness.
Molly Rose Foundation - online safety and prevention