Abuse and Neglect

Abuse, whether it was a ‘one off’ or whether it occurred over a long period of time, can have a devastating impact on a child’s life. There are four main types of abuse: physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse and neglect.

Children who have suffered abuse are at risk of developing psychological problems, physical complaints and other acquired disorders. This can include anxiety, depression, challenging behaviour and sleep disorders – and by seeking professional help, you will reduce your child’s risk of developing these associated conditions.

Many people don’t realise that abuse can also affect a child’s language and communication skills. School can become a very challenging place for a child who has experienced abuse; your child may struggle to concentrate in class, or may have difficulties interacting and expressing feelings, needs and desires with teachers and other children.

How can you help my child?

NETwork Interventions will work with your child to put strategies in place to help you move forwards. If your child has suffered abuse by another family member or by someone outside of the home, you will also be deeply affected by this – and we are here to support you too - as well as other close family members. In fact we often work with you first, before meeting your child, to ensure that you have our full trust before the interventions begin.

Many families who first come to us have already accepted that their child will always struggle with the behaviours and problems which were triggered by the abuse. Some even believe that their child will never be able to really move on from what has happened. Our experience, backed by a vast body of scientific research, tells us otherwise.

Children who have suffered abuse or neglect often have many unvoiced emotions and fears. Verbal Behaviour is a highly effective way of teaching children to express themselves, helping them to channel their emotions and fears in a more healthy and appropriate way and, ultimately enabling them to work through those emotions and move on.

We are a team of highly trained psychologists, counsellors and behaviour analysts with years of experience of helping children who have suffered abuse and neglect. 

Did you know?

One of the biggest barriers faced by children who have experienced abuse is the ability to communicate their emotions to others in an appropriate way. Teaching children how to express themselves and giving the adults the tools they need to respond in a caring and consistent manner can make the world of difference for a child who has been abused.

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"Our son was diagnosed with Asperger’s aged 7; NETwork Interventions spent a day observing him at school and at home and quickly identified the skills he was lacking – skill deficits that we - and others working with our son - had not picked up on. NETwork Interventions trained us to help our son learn those missing skills. The results have been remarkable – he no longer cries about going to school, his concentration and behaviour are much better and he is far less likely to alienate others by the things he says. Thank you."
Parent in Surrey

"It is always a pleasure talking to Lu and Shelley - we think they are superstars!"
C & C, Ottawa

"The observation and assessment period that NETwork complete at the beginning is difficult to understand at the outset, but it turns out that it is an intricate process that [does] indeed find the issues to work on and subsequently address and resolve."
Mum, Quebec

"Dillan had significant behavioural issues and received a very late diagnosis of NVLD when he was 9 years old. This diagnosis did little to help our family. Louise quickly and efficiently set up a programme for our teenage son which rapidly identified his strengths and weaknesses. Shelley taught us and his teachers how to best address these, including language deficits which had previously remained unrecognised, Louise’s team worked within our budget, working hours and extensive travel commitments, working closely with school and our local authority to ensure everybody was on board and funding accessed. At times it felt as though Louise was coordinating a small army. Additional support of parent-counselling through Louise’s team proved invaluable, even though we were originally a little sceptical. It most likely made the difference between success and failure in our ability as parents to sustain a positive family unit whilst implementing the programme. We worked with NETwork Interventions for just under one year."
Dr Edwards, North London

"We would like to say a massive thank you for your hard work during the 2 day assessment. We are so grateful and highly impressed with your level of knowledge, confidence, professionalism as well as the kindness and respect shown to our family. Now, we really believe there is light at the end of the tunnel."
Monica, UK