Our 1:1 support is designed around a 12-week programme that offers age-appropriate assistance to help children understand and process what has happened in their lives. The programme focuses on the following key areas:

• Processing Trauma: Helping children make sense of their experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
• Safety Planning: Empowering children with the knowledge and skills to stay safe.
• Emotional Development: Building emotional resilience and the capacity to manage their feelings.
• Social Integration: Encouraging children to widen their social circles and engage positively with their peers.
• Tailored Approach: At the eight-week mark, our specialists work with the child to assess their progress and readiness to complete the programme at the 12-week point. If additional support is needed, we extend the programme, ensuring that each child receives the time and attention necessary to fully benefit from the process. Our specialised approach recognises that every child’s journey is unique, and we are committed to providing the ongoing, personalised support they need to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse and move forward with their lives.

All children in EWA refuge accomodation receive support throughout their time in refuge.

Our registered Art Therapist provides specialist, intensive, longer-term support to some of the most vulnerable and traumatised children and young people in our services. Art therapy is particularly effective for children who have experienced trauma that has severely impacted their sense of safety, trust, and attachment—especially those who suffered abuse during early, nonverbal years. In cases of coercive control, where the abuse is often hidden or difficult to articulate, art therapy offers a unique and powerful means of expression. 

The Healing Power of Art Therapy: 
Art therapy offers children a symbolic language to express their feelings and memories, allowing them to process their trauma in a way that traditional talk therapies might not reach. Through creating art, children can communicate emotions and experiences that are too complex or painful to put into words. This non-verbal form of expression is crucial for those who have struggled to articulate the impact of abuse, even as adults these experiences are often difficult to convey. 

Therapeutic Relationship: 
Engaging in art therapy helps establish a therapeutic relationship that is foundational to a child’s recovery. The process provides a safe space where children can explore their feelings, regain a sense of control, and begin to rebuild their trust in others. The therapist supports the child through this journey, helping them make sense of their experiences and work towards healing.

Our Children’s Rights and Participation Service (CRPS) is dedicated to supporting children affected by domestic abuse who are involved in the court or other statutory systems as victims or witnesses. The CRPS ensures these children receive the necessary support to recover from their trauma while advocating for their rights under Article 12 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), which guarantees their voice is heard in decisions that impact their lives. 

Children facing such complex and often overwhelming legal challenges need specialised support to ensure their voices are heard and their rights are protected. Our service provides tailored support to help children navigate these challenging circumstances.

Further resources:

• The Scottish Child Law Centre
• CLAN Child Law Centre