Laura Sharman 01 February 2022

Call to end 'patchy' support for children affected by domestic abuse

Call to end patchy support for children affected by domestic abuse image
Image: CreativeAngela / Shutterstock.com

Police in England and Wales made almost a quarter of a million referrals to social services for domestic abuse in 2020/21, a charity has uncovered.

Analysis by the NSPCC found an average of 669 child protection referrals a day were made by police to social services in the last year, an increase of 8% on the previous year.

The charity warns that while local authorities now have a legal duty to provide housing support for families fleeing domestic abuse, they do not have to provide specialist, therapeutic services to support their recovery.

Anna Edmundson, NSPCC head of policy and public affairs, said: 'Domestic abuse can derail a childhood and it is unacceptable that support to recover remains patchy across the country, and what is available risks being axed by cash-strapped councils.

'We urge Dominic Raab to use the Victim’s Law to address this and ensure young victims of domestic abuse have easy access to professional services within their community so they can rebuild their lives no matter where they live.'

Cllr Nesil Caliskan, chair of the LGA’s Safer and Stronger Communities Board, added: 'The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s report into community-based service provision will be a significant contributor in evidencing the need for increased investment in these services. Domestic abuse is complex and in order to enhance efforts to combat this issue, through both prevention schemes and support services, councils need to be fully funded across all services.'

The £37,000 SEND Problem image

The £37,000 SEND Problem

Natalie Kenneison, COO at Imosphere, argues that the real SEND funding crisis isn’t just about budgets - it’s about the systems behind the decisions.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Portage Worker - SEND and Inclusion

Durham County Council
Grade 8 £31,586 - £35,235
Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 18 months Term-time only (plus one week) – Temporary for 12 months   We are recruiting Portage Workers Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£34,314 - £37,938 (pre-progression) / £39,513 - £43,693 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed their assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First Service. WHAT IS INVO Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Receptionist

Durham County Council
£24,404 to £25,183 pro rata p.a. Grade 3 (£12.64 to £13.05 per hour)
Casual as and when required opportunity is available Spennymoor Leisure Centre. WHAT IS INVOLVED? In this role you will professionally welcome custom Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
2x Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Vacancies Would you like to work with a group of wonderful children in order to help them to have a happy and sett Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Enhanced Teaching Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711?pro rata
Enhanced Teaching Assistant Grade 5     £25,584 - £27,711?pro rata Full time, Term Time Only + 2 Weeks Temporary – required from 1st September 2025 un Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner