Support and training

A new full-time project officer, Heather Vaccianna, has been employed by CEA@Islington since November 2004, and provides advice, information and support to teachers and school staff on addressing the issue of domestic violence. You can contact Heather for one-to-one advice on:

  • how to respond when a child or parent discloses domestic violence;
  • survivors' legal rights;
  • where to refer families to;
  • what services are in the borough for children; and
  • how to deal with this often sensitive and distressing issue.

You can also contact Heather when following up referrals you have made on domestic violence to Islington Social Services Department (SSD) as the project officer works in partnership with the SSD Link Domestic Violence Social Worker on improving levels of communication between schools and SSD.

Posters from Islington Women's Aid and the Community Safety Unit are available for display in your school, in public areas like reception or parent’s rooms used for extended schools activities. The project officer can provide advice on other initiatives that can help prevent domestic violence, including:

  • contact sheets detailing parental responsibility for all pupils;
  • homework clubs to give children a safe place to do their work;
  • breakfast clubs to ensure children get a healthy start to the day
  • local counselling services for parents and children; and
  • how to discuss the issue of domestic violence with your pupils

Training is available to schools on domestic violence awareness, covering the present legal situation, how domestic violence affects children and how to spot these signs, child protection procedures and referral guidelines for example.

Resources to teach domestic violence prevention education in PSHE and in a whole school approach are available, along with training on the use of these packs and classroom support for teachers as required. Teachers can also request a free copy of the Westminster Domestic Violence Forum Schools Pack and video (worth over £60) to use in their lessons as well as tailored lesson plans from a range of other packs such as Islington’s STOP pack, Leeds Inter-Agency Project pack – Break The Silence: Stop The Violence and a variety of books, videos, Theatre In Education and guest speakers where possible.

How can I find out more or book a training session for my school?

Training sessions are available in twilight, half-day or full-day to suit your school. After an initial meeting with headteacher and staff, training will be tailored to your staff needs and requirements. If you are a teacher, parent or member of school support staff and would like your school to benefit from this project then please contact the project officer directly.

For help and advice on any matters surrounding the issue of domestic violence in your school community and domestic violence prevention education in school please contact the project officer: