School staff failed to act after child witnessed domestic violence

Staff at a school in Aberdeen failed to act after a pupil in their care witnessed domestic violence.

The parent of the pupil complained that the city council and school had breached their duty of care by not responding after raising concerns their child witnessed the domestic abuse they were suffering.

However, Aberdeen City Council did not uphold the complaint, saying it believed the family had received an appropriate level of support.

In assessing the school and council’s responses, the Scottish Public Services Ombudsman consulted a social worker in their report.

The watchdog found there had been a “failure” by the school to respond or act upon the parent’s disclosure of their child witnessing domestic violence.

After being told, the report found that the school should have contacted the council’s Joint Child Protection Team.

Concern was also raised that council staff may not “fully recognise” different forms of domestic abuse, with the Ombudsman pointing out it can be other than just physical violence.

The watchdog said the council should apologise to the parent and improve staff awareness of domestic violence.

Aberdeen City Council has been contacted for comment.

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