YOUNG people who have experience of domestic abuse are set to get more support after the launch of an innovative pilot scheme.

Operation Encompass will see schools being informed the next school day if a pupil has been involved in a domestic incident so they can receive the support and care they require at the earliest possible opportunity.

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Cleveland Police and Hartlepool Borough Council’s child and adults services have joined forces with domestic abuse charities to ensure that all schools in the borough are able to intervene at an early stage.

Often described as the ‘silent’ victims of domestic abuse, children can be traumatised by what they have seen or heard resulting in disruptive behaviour.

And one girl’s experience was used to highlight the devastating impact that domestic abuse can have on children.

The teenager, whose identity has been protected, could be heard speaking of the abuse her mother suffered at the hands of different partners and how eventually her relationship with her broke down completely.

Speaking at the launch, Cleveland Police chief constable Jacqui Cheer said: “We know many people will suffer horrific abuse before they have the courage to come forward. That has to stop. Domestic abuse is unacceptable on any level.

“I really do believe that we will be making a real difference to the children and it is important to help them to move forward in their lives.”

The 38 schools in Hartlepool, covering every child from the ages of two to 18 years in primary, secondary and academies, have signed up to the scheme, and staff have received training from educational psychologists and specialist police officers.

The pilot, which is being led by former Cleveland Police senior officer Shane Sellers, starts on April 1.

He said: “The pilot is a simple but effective way in which the police can share domestic abuse information with schools. Too often children are the silent victims of domestic abuse and are expected to turn up to school the next day and carry on as if nothing at all has happened.”

Officers will go through their incident log every morning and contact the school of any child or pupil that could have been affected by a domestic abuse incident.

Gill Alexander, director of child and adult services for Hartlepool Borough Council, said: “Domestic abuse can have a devastating effect on children and young people and it’s so important to have the best possible support mechanisms in place.”

Although the scheme is being piloted in Hartlepool, it will eventually be rolled out across the entire force area.