Domestic abuse is not parental conflict. You can read more on spotting the signs of domestic abuse here. This page has a quick exit button in the bottom corner.
Disagreements are a normal part of life, and most couples argue from time to time. The festive period can be particularly difficult with people experiencing an increase in stressful issues.
Stressors such as money worries, poor mental health, extended family, bereavement and grief, housing issues, differing parent styles and challenges with co-parenting can all trigger conflict and arguments.
Knowsley Council offers free online tools and resources to help families navigate relationship challenges. No matter if you’re together, separated, or considering separation, there are resources available for a number of different circumstances.
Cllr David Lonergan, Knowsley Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “Parental conflict can have a huge impact on children and its really important that families know there is support available to help them.
“All families have disagreements but ensuring we manage them correctly is really important in supporting children’s wellbeing.
“I would urge all parents to take a look at the resources available.”
About parental conflict
It’s natural for families to have disagreements. Differences in ideas, opinions, and priorities are part of life. But when those disagreements become frequent, intense, or unresolved, they can take a toll on everyone, especially children.
Frequent, intense, or poorly resolved conflict between parents can have serious consequences for children, both in the short and long term.
If harmful conflict is identified and supported earlier, it will lead to better outcomes for the whole family.
Free resources available
See it Differently
Videos, tips, and strategies to understand conflict and its impact.
One Plus One
Four online courses on coping with conflict, communication, and raising kids together. There are four online courses that you can access if you are experiencing conflict and feel like you need further support. These courses can be accessed privately and are free to use.
Register online to access these resources here.
Me, You and Baby Too
Prepare parents for changes to their relationship, support them to develop skills to manage conflict constructively and help expectant and new parents cope with changes in their relationship.
Arguing better
Increase parents’ capacity to cope with stress, support parents to develop positive communication strategies to deal with conflict and raise awareness of the impact that parental conflict can have on children.
Getting it Right for Children
Raise parents’ awareness and understanding of how they are putting their child in the middle of their conflict, help parents to develop positive communication skills and support parents to co-operate and work out solutions together.
Debt and relationships
Debt and money troubles are one of the biggest causes of relationship stress, and the rising cost of living could mean this becomes a greater issue for many families. Helping parents to consider different ways they might find themselves in debt, the impact this can have on relationships and why it’s a good idea to talk to one another.
Domestic abuse is not parental conflict – spot the signs
It is important that residents also understand the difference between disagreements and domestic abuse. There is a wide range of information on spotting the red flags of domestic abuse here. Signposting information on domestic abuse support is also available at the bottom of this page.
If you identify with signs of a domestic abuse relation, you can access support from a range of services:
If you, your child, or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, you should contact the police urgently, call 999. If you are not at immediate risk but are concerned, please contact one of the services listed below:
Knowsley Council Safer Communities Service (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 443 2610
Enquiries.safercommunities@knowsley.gov.uk
Knowsley Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub
Tel: 0151 443 2600
The First Step (Specialist Domestic Abuse Service)
Tel: 0151 548 3333
Website: www.thefirststep.org.uk
Savera UK
Helpline 0800 107 0726
www.saverauk.co.uk
Support is also available through:
- National Domestic violence Helpline 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line 0808 801 0327
- LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline 0800 999 5428
- Women’s Aid – Live chat to Women’s Aid
Galop
Galop is the leading LGBT+ anti-violence and abuse charity, providing the National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline. They provide advice and support to individuals who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence, and domestic abuse and have an online referral form. They also offer a Trans Advocacy Service.
Website: www.galop.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 999 5428
Email: help@galop.org.uk