Beyond Behaviour: How Domestic Abuse Shapes a Child’s World at School

Every behaviour tells a story. For many children, that story begins long before they walk through the school gates. When a child is living with domestic abuse, school can become the only place where they feel a sense of safety, or the only place where their fear and confusion finally show.

This training is for every adult in education. Teachers, mentors, office staff, pastoral teams, leaders, support staff, teaching assistants, SEN teams and anyone who works with children day to day. You do not need to be a specialist to make a difference.

Through real case stories, clear explanations and practical tools, you will learn:

• What domestic abuse looks and feels like for children
• The many ways it shows up in school through behaviour, friendships, emotions and learning
• Why some children become angry, withdrawn or hard to reach
• How trauma affects focus, memory and relationships
• What staff can do to respond safely and compassionately
• How to support children without asking them to retell painful experiences
• Small, everyday actions that build trust and stability

About the Trainers

Ayse Adil and Joe Lettieri are co founders of Family Based Solutions with more than twenty years of experience supporting children and families living with domestic abuse. Both began their careers in education and have worked closely with schools across London to train staff, strengthen safeguarding practice and understand the stories behind behaviour. Their work is solution focused, trauma informed and grounded in real practice with real families.

This is not a lecture. It is a reflective, practical and compassionate space that will change the way you understand the children you work with.

If you work in a school, this training will stay with you long after the session ends.