It is estimated that 1 in 5 children are living in a household where Domestic Abuse is present. The effect that Domestic Abuse has on children can be profound, traumatic and cumulative, and can go undetected. It is estimated that only 17% of victims report their abuse to the police.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises children as victims if they see, hear or experience the effects of abuse between two personally connected individuals who are aged 16 or over. Any abusive behaviour directed at a person under the age of 16, however, is classed as child abuse, rather than domestic abuse.

Domestic Abuse is defined as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: Psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional”.

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Economic abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour

The behaviour can be a single incident or ongoing and can be one or many of the behaviours listed above. Physical abuse may include withdrawing food or sleep, handing out punishment, rape, forced prostitution, revenge porn or unconsented recording of sex. A victim may not be allowed to socialise or to claim their own benefits in order for the perpetrator to control the victim.

Stalking and Harassment, Female Genital Mutilation, Honor Based Abuse and Forced Marriage is also a form of Domestic Abuse.