The Healing Together Programme: A Beacon of Hope for Children Affected by Domestic Abuse

By Cuneen, K., Patel, A. & Fox, C. (2024)

In a world where the shadows of domestic abuse often loom large, the Healing Together programme emerges as a beacon of hope for children and young people. This groundbreaking study, conducted by Cuneen, Patel, and Fox, delves into the profound impact of the Healing Together programme on children aged 5 to 16 years who have been affected by domestic abuse. The findings are not only promising but also highlight the critical importance of early intervention in mitigating the long-term effects of trauma.

Aim of the Study

The primary aim of this study was to measure the impact of the Healing Together programme on children affected by domestic abuse. By focusing on emotional awareness and expression, the programme seeks to provide these children with the tools they need to navigate their emotions and heal from their traumatic experiences.

Methodology

The study involved a total of 327 children aged between 5 and 16 years, all of whom had been affected by domestic abuse. The programme was delivered across various settings, including schools, youth services, and early intervention services, ensuring a broad reach and diverse participant base.

To measure the impact of the programme, the researchers employed the Emotional Awareness Questionnaire (Rieffe et al., 2008) both before and after the programme. This tool allowed for a comprehensive assessment of changes in the children’s emotional awareness and expression.

Findings

The results of the study are both encouraging and insightful. The Healing Together programme was found to be effective for children across the entire age range of 5 to 16 years. Specifically, the programme significantly enhanced the children’s ability to differentiate between emotions, resist the urge to hide their emotions, and verbally share their feelings.

One of the standout findings was the programme’s heightened effectiveness when delivered on a one-to-one basis, particularly for younger children aged 5 to 10 years. This suggests that personalised attention and support can play a crucial role in the emotional development and healing of younger children.

Conclusion

The data from this study underscores the potential of the Healing Together programme as an early intervention strategy. By fostering increased emotional awareness through a trauma-informed approach, the programme helps children heal from their traumatic experiences and reduces the risk of developing mental health difficulties later in life. This aligns with previous research by Rackoff & Newman (2020) and Bartlett & Smith (2019), which emphasises the importance of early intervention in trauma recovery.

The Healing Together programme stands as a testament to the power of targeted, trauma-informed interventions in supporting the emotional well-being of children affected by domestic abuse. As we continue to seek ways to support children affected by. trauma, programmes like Healing Together offer a promising path forward.

For those interested in a deeper dive into the study, the preprint article is available for download here.

About the Authors:

• K. Cuneen: A PhD fellowship student at Warwick University leading research focused on clinical and applied psychology, with a particular focus on mental health help-seeking barriers.
• A. Patel: An expert in trauma informed practice, early intervention and children’s mental health, Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Innovating Minds.
• C. Fox: Professor at Bristol University leading research on school bullying, teenage relationship abuse and domestic abuse.

Together, they bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to this critical area of study, offering valuable insights and practical solutions for supporting children affected by domestic abuse.

Join the Conversation: How can we further support children affected by domestic abuse in our communities? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below. Let’s work together to create a safer, more supportive environment for all children.