Luna Little Legs: Helping Young Children to Understand Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control

Book excerpt: For effective and safe use, this book should be purchased alongside the professional guidebook. Both books can be purchased together as a set, Helping Young Children Learn About Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control: A Luna Little Legs Storybook and Professional Guide [9781032072555] This sensitively written storybook has been created to help very young children understand about domestic abuse and coercive control. Luna loves playing with her friends at kitten club, but at home things are different. One terrible night, Luna overhears a domestic abuse incident and, when her own name is mentioned, she wonders if it might be her fault. Accompanied by beautiful and engaging illustrations, the story provides a vehicle for talking with children about their experiences, safety and emotional wellbeing. Three potential endings allow the story to be personalised to the individual child: • In ending 1, Luna is comforted by her mummy and remains at home • In ending 2, Luna and her mummy move to a refuge, and eventually into their own home • In ending 3, Luna’s daddy apologises for his behaviour promising to change , and she and her mummy move back into the family home Through age-appropriate rhyming language, this story explores children’s common reactions to domestic abuse, shows them that they are not alone, and helps them talk about their feelings. It is an essential tool for all early years practitioners, as well as professionals working with children and families who are experiencing, or have experienced, domestic abuse and coercive control.