CHILDREN have been present in 90 per cent of domestic violence incidents in York and North Yorkshire, a support organisation has said.

The Independent Domestic Abuse Service (IDAS) said more than 9,000 incidents of domestic abuse were received by North Yorkshire Police each year, and cause children and young people to live in fear or violence and abuse, and can lead to longer-term effects.

Sarah Hill, director of IDAS, said the organisation was experiencing "an overwhelming demand" for specialist children’s and young people’s services this year, with 2,000 people and almost 100 families supported through their refuges in the last 12 months.

She said: "Reported domestic violence incidents within York and North Yorkshire have increased this year and in 90 per cent of reported domestic violence and abuse incidents, children have been present in the same or a nearby room.

"The impact on children and young people who live with fear, violence and abuse, can have wide-reaching effects. These range from psychological and emotional harm, and physical responses - such as bed-wetting - to educational and social impacts such as poor or non-attendance at school and difficulty forming and maintaining relationships."

The charity now needs to raise money to ensure their children's services can be run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and has launched the Have A Heart campaign to ensure this funding is available.

Sarah said: "We work intensively with children and young people who are affected by domestic abuse, either as a witness of it, or have been subject to it. For those who come into our refuges, from babies through early years to teenagers, it is a traumatic and isolating experience.

"Donations go directly to help children to overcome their abuse experience and reduce the risk of trauma damage being carried with them throughout their childhood and young lives."

To make a donation, go to campaign.justgiving.com/charity/idas/christmas or to find out more about the service, go to idas.org.uk Alternatively, text IDAS00 £10 to 70070 to donate, or send donations by cheque made payable to IDAS at 39 Blossom Street, York, YO24 1AQ.

CASE STUDY

One 23-year-old woman from York, known as Laura, has three children under the age of five, and over the last five years has been gradually isolated from her friends and family by her partner.

A spokeswoman for IDAS said Laura's partner was emotionally abusive - calling Laura fat, stupid and ugly - and had sexually and physically abused her.

Laura contacted IDAS after her partner refused to let her visit her mother on her mother's birthday, and pulled her up the stairs by her hair, punched her and pushed her to the floor. Her four-year-old daughter ran towards her and was pushed out of the way by the partner.

Sarah said: "Laura reported to the police, not because she was hurt but because her daughter was. Even after years of abuse Laura told us that she didn’t realise that she was a victim because she wasn’t black and blue and in hospital."

*If you, or anyone you know needs help with Domestic Abuse, phone the confidential 24-hour helpline 03000 110 110