Domestic violence can be difficult subjects to talk about, books talking about the topic can help explain to young children what happened and encourage discussions. Stories may make difficult transitions easier to cope with and to understand.
Kit Kitten and the Topsy-Turvey Feelings
by Jane Evans and Izzy Bean
Another book from America, this one showing how hard it is when adults don’t teach children about feelings. Set against a background of implied neglect and, possibly, alcohol / drug abuse.
Age: 3+
A Terrible Thing Happened
by Margaret M Holmes and Cary Pillo
An American book that doesn’t show the ‘terrible thing’ that Sherman Smith saw, but instead focuses on how he feels afterwards and the help he is offered.
Age: 5+
At the end of Holyrood Lane
by Dimity Powell
Flick is a happy child until the storms start at home. It looks at the unpredictability of home and how she needs to hide to find safety. When she asks for help her world changes and happiness returns.
Age 4+
The Boy Who Built a Wall Around Himself
by Ali Redford and illustrated by Kara Simpson
Age range: 4+
Boy built a wall to keep himself safe. Behind it he felt strong and more protected. Then Someone Kind came along. She bounced a ball, sang and painted on the other side of the wall, and Boy began to wonder if life on the other side might be better after all. Written for children aged 4 to 9, this gentle full-colour picture book uses a simple metaphor to explain how children who have had painful or traumatic experiences can build barriers between themselves and other people. It will help children explore their feelings and encourage communication.
Some Secrets Should Never Be Kept
by Jayneen Sanders
This book is a reassuring story , designed to be used by an adult and a child together to explore the difference between appropriate and inappropriate touching.The young boy is encouraged to share his secret with his mother.
Age: 3+
Light Jar
by Lisa Thompson
Nate and his mother run away from an abusive partner. They stay in a run down cottage in the grounds of a mansion. But Nate’s mum has disappeared and he must survive on his own whilst looking for her.
Age 10+
The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair
by Lara Williamson
Dad has run away in the middle of the night, taking Becket and his little brother Billy with him. They have left everything behind, including their almost-mum Pearl. The boys badly want to bring their family back together, but things aren’t always as they seem. The central theme of this book is of saying goodbye – to their late mother, to Pearl, even to Brian the snail.
Age: 9+
Useful Organisation
Citizen’s Advice:
Information, support and advice for both men and women.
Gov.uk:
Information and advice.
IDAS:
Supporting both men and women who are experiencing domestic abuse.
NHS:
Information and advice.
Refuge:
For women and children against domestic abuse.
Victim support:
Information and support for victims of domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid:
National charity working to end domestic violence against women and children
Young Minds:
Advice and information on places you can get help for children who have witness domestic violence or abuse.
Hampshire Libraries 