A new scheme aims to give extra support to children who grow up in violent homes.

Council staff working with vulnerable young people have identified a link between children experiencing domestic violence, becoming violent themselves and ending up in the criminal justice system.

Children who show signs of aggressive behaviour after witnessing or being a victim of domestic violence are to receive special support.

Community safety chief Councillor Andy Hull said: “Breaking the cycle of violence and preventing victims from becoming perpetrators means identifying abuse at the earliest opportunity and working together, as a community, to intervene.”

In 2015, Islington Police recorded 2,260 domestic violence offences – six a day. There are 2,100 women known to be survivors of domestic violence living in the borough.

As part of the project, the council will work with other charities and community organisations to identify aggressive behaviour among schoolchildren.

Victims of domestic violence will have the chance to meet other mothers and children who have lived through similar trauma.