Steph Waddell 10 June 2021

Supporting young victims of domestic abuse

Supporting young victims of domestic abuse image

The new Domestic Abuse Act legally recognises children as victims if they see, hear, or otherwise experience the effects of abuse. This is a welcome step forward which will focus minds on the perspectives and experiences of children.

We have estimated that more than 15,000 children suffer domestic abuse in any two-week period, and the COVID-19 pandemic has almost certainly increased that number. The impacts can last a lifetime; for example, child victims are significantly more likely to develop drug or alcohol dependency, mental health problems and experience abuse in their own adult relationships, to give just three examples. All this has an individual, societal and economic cost.

We urgently need to turn our attention now to the way in which we support these children. It is critical they have access to appropriate, high quality support at the time they need it. While the Act places a duty on councils to provide support to children in refuges or other safe accommodation, there is no requirement to provide support for the majority of child victims, who will still be living at home.

Read the feature for free here.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Executive Director of Adult Care Services

Hertfordshire County Council
£158,000
This is an exciting time to be joining Hertfordshire County Council. Hertfordshire
Recuriter: Hertfordshire County Council

Assistant Director - People & Change

Cambridgeshire County Council
Up to £91,625 + generous pension
Cambridge is a city of global reputation and local pride – a place of ideas, innovation and inclusion. Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Recuriter: Cambridgeshire County Council

Head of Public Confidence and Assurance

York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority
£71,425 - £80,216
The York andNorth YorkshireCombined Authority is at a pivotal point. York, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority

Strategic Director of Finance (S151)

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
C £130K
Are you an inspiring and strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council

Strategic Director of Corporate Services

Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
C £130K
Are you an inspiring and strategic leader ready to make a lasting impact? Tameside, Greater Manchester
Recuriter: Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council
Linkedin Banner