Building Bridges: Raising Awareness of Domestic Violence and Its Impact on Children

In December, we had the privilege of coming together for an important event at City Hall in collaboration with the GLA and our local champion, Bassam Mahfouz, Ealing’s councillor for the London Assembly, who has first-hand experience working with families like our service users when he ran a refugee charity in south-west London and worked for a G15 housing association, leading on employability, digital inclusion, tackling health inequalities and advice services. He was also joined by Dr Leethen Batholomew, the Head of the Children and Young Londoners Team for the GLA.

The turnout truly moved us—representatives from various charitable organizations across London joined us, creating a vibrant space for sharing ideas and learning from one another. We were fortunate to hear from key stakeholders, including politicians such as the incredible Joanne McCartney, the Statutory Deputy Mayor and Deputy Mayor for Children and Families. The collaboration fostered during this event was essential in strengthening our initiatives and building lasting partnerships.

A standout moment for many of us was hearing from our keynote speaker, Chris Wild. As a renowned writer and activist in the UK state care sector, Chris’s insights were heartfelt and enlightening. His bestselling books highlight the critical failures within the care system, and he has emerged as a powerful advocate for those calling for reform. When Chris spoke about the impact of abuse and the urgent necessity for early intervention support, especially for children affected by domestic violence, his words resonated deeply. He courageously shared personal stories illuminating systemic shortcomings’ real and lasting effects on young lives.

We were fortunate to welcome several distinguished speakers, each adding their unique perspectives to our discussions. Emma Howarth, an Associate Professor specializing in Child and Family Mental Health at the University of Sussex, shared eye-opening insights into how domestic violence can have enduring psychological effects on children. Anita Arora, a District Crown Prosecutor, provided us with an essential glimpse into the legal landscape surrounding domestic violence, emphasizing the need to support victims as they navigate the often daunting justice system. Hamza Egal, our Senior Political Advisor, engaged us in discussions about the political dimensions of domestic violence and the urgency of legislative reforms. Lastly, Sema Gornall, the CEO of The Vavengers, shared her journey and the invaluable role of non-profit organizations in advocating for survivors and fostering change at the community level.

Together, our panellists brought to light the multifaceted impact of domestic violence, and the climate of urgency was palpable. Their insights reinforced just how crucial community awareness and support are in creating healthier environments for children and families affected by domestic violence.

This gathering wasn’t just about raising awareness; it was an opportunity for all of us—assembly members, city-wide charities, and council departments—to engage actively in our cause. It was heartening to see so many passionate individuals coming together, united in our commitment to make a real difference for children impacted by domestic violence, igniting hope for a brighter future.

Reflecting on this event’s meaningful connections and discussions, we all feel a renewed sense of purpose in fostering dialogue, collaboration, and strategic partnerships that can drive positive change. We also want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated and contributed to our discussions—your support is invaluable in our shared mission. Together, we’re embarking on a journey toward impactful change, and we’re excited about continuing this vital work with all of you.