Young people who have been affected by domestic abuse are set to get automatic access to mental health and safeguarding services regardless of whether they were present during violent incidents.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) today asked prosecutors to consider the impact domestic abuse has on young people when making a charging decision.
New domestic abuse legislation means that children affected by domestic abuse will be automatically treated as victims even if they were not present at the time of the abuse.
The new legislation means young people will get automatic access to support like mental health and safeguarding services.
In urging prosecutors to consider the wider impact of abuse, the CPS recommended they should speak to schools or child services to support evidence of long-standing abuse.
Kate Brown, CPS domestic abuse lead, said: ‘Growing up in a violent and toxic home has a hugely damaging and long-lasting impact on children. ‘Today’s guidance, which recognises them as victims, not only offers them automatic support but means the effect on them is considered as part of the justice process.
‘There’s no doubt that having a clear understanding of the family dynamic and how a young victim may respond to the criminal justice process, will help us bring more abusers to court.’
