A CHARITY that supports victims of domestic violence has welcomed fresh moves to look after children who are affected.

Operation Encompass aims to help youngsters who have witnessed or been exposed to domestic violence at home. Under the scheme, the child’s school would be contacted before 9am the day after an incident, and appropriate adults could be informed so they can offer individual support.

David Carney-Hayworth, a retired police sergeant, founded Operation Encompass with his wife in 2011.

He said: “My wife was a headteacher and received information about a child involved in a serious domestic incident - but not until three months later. At the time she could pinpoint the child’s behaviour and could tell something was affecting them, but had no idea what.

“Everyone says it’s so simple, so obvious, and they’re surprised it’s not already happening. We’re now an official partner with Women’s Aid Day. We’ve travelled as far as the Netherlands with presentations, and been to Clarence House to speak with the Duchess of Cornwall about it.”

Sarah Hill, of Independent Domestic Abuse Service, welcomed the system, which is being introduced.

“Children are the hidden victims of domestic abuse but in the majority of cases they are aware of what is happening and directly affected by it,” she said.

“When an incident happens this can mean that the next day they may go to school without a proper uniform, without eating breakfast or upset and unable to concentrate.

"This scheme will ensure that the school are aware of this and able to respond and support the child from when they arrive in class. It also means the school can potentially identify adult victims of abuse earlier and work with organisations like ours to get them the vital support that they need.”