WItnessing Domestic Violence and audit Education in school system (WIDE)

Witnessing Domestic Violence, despite its poor social acknowledgement, is widespread and with serious effects on the psychological balance and social integration of minors. In Italy, there are about 690.000 cases, more than 60% of which are cases of direct witnessing of violence. Witnessing Domestic Violence, despite its poor social acknowledgement, is widespread and with serious effects on the psychological balance and social integration of minors. In Italy, there are about 690.000 cases, more than 60% of which are cases of direct witnessing of violence. The effects of witnessing physical and psychological abuses mainly concern adjustment, social integration, behavioral competences, cognitive abilities and problem solving (incompetence and learning disorders along with school maladjustment resulting in poor performance and/or school drop-out). The school context is therefore a crucial point both in terms of pedagogic/relational approach to identify domestic violence witnesses and in terms of agreement and coordination with families and organizations for violence prevention. School operators and mainly teachers, are culturally and professionally sensitive people establishing emotional relationships with their pupils. These elements can be further reinforced in order to educate and sensitize the child against abuses.