A NEW campaign is being launched to raise awareness of the forgotten victims of domestic abuse - children and young people.

The campaign has been launched by Ryedale and Scarborough Safer Communities Partnerships together with the NSPCC.

And the idea is to send out a clear message about the damaging impact of domestic abuse on children and families.

It will target primary and secondary schools across the two districts in an attempt to raise awareness amongst school-age children that domestic abuse is wrong, that it’s not the child’s fault and they should tell someone if it’s happening at home.

Lady Lumley’s School in Pickering and Caedmon School at Whitby are among those piloting the campaign which will then be rolled out to all the schools next year.

School staff will be provided with training about the impact of domestic abuse on children, how to spot the signs and how to support a child who is living with the problem.

And campaign posters will encourage children to speak to a teacher if they have concerns or need advice about domestic abuse.

Domestic violence co-ordinator Sandra Rees said: "The impact of abuse at home can have a long-lasting effect on children.

"Witnessing violence can be damaging and children themselves can often be physically abused whether it’s intentional or if a child tries to intervene to protect an adult.

"We also know that children feel the stressful effects of an abusive relationship. They can lose confidence, blame themselves, feel afraid and be angry about what is happening."