Operation Encompass is an innovative project that Lincolnshire Police are launching; it will help Lincolnshire schools to safeguard and support children who are experiencing domestic abuse.

Children and young people who witness or endure incidents of domestic abuse can be left frightened, confused and conflicted – they might directly witness the abuse, hear the abuse from another room, see injuries or distress in a loved one, or be physically hurt trying to stop the abuse. All of these scenarios can be incredibly distressing for a child.

Following such an incident, children will often arrive at school upset and unprepared. Where previously a school may not have been made aware of police attending a domestic abuse incident at the home, Operation Encompass will see that appropriately trained Safeguarding staff have this information so they can offer support and understanding to the child in the best possible way.

Assistant Chief Constable Kerrin Wilson said, “Domestic abuse has a ripple effect. Children within the household will suffer, sometimes to a devastating extent. Operation Encompass is a fantastic nationally recommended scheme, which we are pleased to launch with primary and secondary schools in Lincolnshire. It is another safeguarding route that we will use to ensure children are supported and we recognise that schools play a pivotal role in their student’s ongoing wellbeing and safety.”

How does Operation Encompass work?

After we receive a report of abuse from a home where children were present or usually reside, brief information will be shared with the school directly from Lincolnshire Police. This information will be handled by the school’s Designated Safeguarding Lead. This ensures support can be provided as quickly as possible so the child involved can feel safe and listened to.  

Each Designated Safeguarding Lead has been fully trained. They are able to ensure the right support is made available to the child following the disclosure of a domestic abuse incident.

By knowing that the child has had this experience, the school is in a better position to be supportive and understanding of the child’s needs and possible behaviours.

Please see our advice section for further details on Operation Encompass.