COVID 19 impact on domestic violence and child abuse

Practical guidelines for the role of schools in a situation of possible suspicion of domestic violence/child abuse

more practical guidelines

The school can play an important role to their students. The measures within COVID 19 present a huge challenge for schools. In addition to organizing distance education, questions such as what to do if the contact with a student and/or parents is broken, what to do if there are concerns about a home situation or the personal situation of a student, also play a significant role.

Here are some tips for school administrators, teachers, confidants, etc. in case of possible suspicion that the student is a victim or witness of a situation of domestic violence and/or child abuse:

• Agree with the teachers that they keep a very regular contact with students who may be in precarious situations and/or where there is a concern about their personal condition.
• Keep a warm contact with the student with whom a possible threat of danger is possible, for example through a daily short chat and/or regular and agreed telephone conversations. Here, the student can talk about how things are going at home (b.e. possible feelings of insecurity) and agreements can be made that the student can give a signal if things go wrong or threaten to go wrong at home.
• Discuss worrying situations with fellow teachers, by example those who also have contact with the student from another curriculum and coordinate any actions.
• If you suspect a possible crisis situation, please contact immediately the support or advice point available for your region.