At Future Living, we listen carefully to the voices of those most affected by domestic abuse – including the youngest among us. That’s why the recent report from the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, deeply resonated with our team.
The report shines a stark light on a critical issue: an estimated 800,000 children in the UK were affected by domestic abuse in the past year alone. Perhaps even more telling was what children themselves told the Commissioner – they want to be educated about domestic abuse, but they want this done by professionals, not their teachers.
Children recognise that domestic abuse is too sensitive, too complex, and too personal to be taught through standard lessons. They need safe spaces, trusted adults with specialist knowledge, and programmes that are designed to empower them – not overwhelm them.
This is where Future Living’s Young Herts programme comes in
Young Herts is a healthy education initiative specifically designed for Year 6 pupils. It helps children understand what healthy relationships look like, how to recognise the signs of emotional or physical abuse, and – crucially – how to seek help. Delivered by experienced professionals in a safe, age-appropriate way, Young Herts provides the kind of expert-led intervention that children are asking for.
We do not expect teachers to take on this burden alone. Their role is already enormous. But we do believe schools have a powerful opportunity to collaborate with organisations like ours to create a real shift in how we support and protect children.
Unfortunately, the Commissioner’s report also paints a bleak picture of funding shortfalls and stretched services – with more than half of support providers seeing their budgets cut in the past five years. Despite this, we remain committed to expanding the reach of Young Herts, because we know this work changes lives.
NSPCC’s Call for Action
The NSPCC has also recently called for primary schools to include domestic abuse education as part of the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic Education) curriculum. They recognise the importance of equipping children with the knowledge to understand and recognise unhealthy relationships from a young age. We strongly support this call, as it aligns with our mission to empower children with the information and skills they need to stay safe and seek help when necessary.
Now is the time for policymakers, educators, and communities to act. Children have told us clearly what they need. Let’s not just listen – let’s respond.
If your school would like to know more about delivering Young Herts, please get in touch. Together, we can make sure children get the support and education they deserve – from the professionals trained to provide it.
Support Our Mission
At Future Living, we work every day to support both adult and child survivors of domestic abuse. Our services are life-changing – but we can’t do it alone.
If you believe in a future where children grow up safe, informed, and empowered, please consider making a donation. Your support helps us deliver expert-led programmes like Young Herts and provide vital support to those rebuilding their lives after abuse.
Together, we can break the cycle of abuse and build a healthier, safer future for all.
