MORE than 1,000 alerts have been sent to schools about children who may have seen or been affected by domestic violence.

Police have created Operation Encompass in a county-wide scheme to inform schools across Sussex about children who may have been involved in traumatic attacks.

Officers alert schools in strict confidence about cases and incidents, which then allows school staff to provide help to children.

So far, more than 1,200 cases have been reported to schools in West Sussex, police said.

The scheme is now set to be rolled out to the majority of schools in Brighton this month.

Detective Chief Inspector Pip Taylor said: “The purpose of this operation is to help stop children becoming stuck in that devastating cycle that domestic abuse can create.Children and young people are often hidden victims when it comes to domestic abuse and this notification can help support them to deal with what can be a traumatic adverse experience.

“We know that, on average, 35 incidents of domestic abuse can be experienced before police are called; therefore, it is imperative that we make schools aware of this, to ensure that child is safe and protected.

“Until launching in West Sussex over the past year, there were no such procedures in place in Sussex for early reporting to schools following domestic abuse incidents.

“East Sussex started to adopt the process in December and we are so pleased that Brighton has seen the positive results from West Sussex and are also now adopting.”

Brighton and Hove City Council’s head of safeguarding Anna Gianfrancesco said: “We are working with schools in Brighton and Hove to support the roll out of Operation Encompass.

“This approach will enable schools to quickly respond to children and young people who are experiencing domestic abuse.

“Schools often are not aware that a domestic incident has happened the previous day or over the weekend.

“This will mean that immediately after the event, they will be able to offer a light touch approach to support the child or more support as needed.”

More information about Op Encompass can be found at www.operationencompass.org.