A new initiative has been launched in Dudley schools that will help children who witness domestic abuse in their homes.

West Midlands Police will work in partnership with local schools under the banner of ‘Operation Encompass’. The initiative will see officers making schools aware before 9am when a concerning incident has taken place involving the parents or guardians of a pupil. A spokesperson for the force said:

“Last summer we launched the programme in primary schools across Dudley and it has proven to be such a success, that we are now launching it in all secondary schools in the borough.

“The communication to schools has helped make teachers better equipped to deal with and react in an informed manner to children who need support following such an incident.”

Head teachers in the area have been trained alongside response officers from the force and the initiative, which has been recognised nationally, will start from Monday 8th January 2018.