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Boost legal protection and funding for child victims of domestic abuse, campaigners urge

2 mins read Social Care Youth Justice
Campaigners have cautiously welcomed the new Domestic Abuse Bill, but claim that "fundamental changes" are still needed to give children the protection they need.

The landmark bill, which received its first reading yesterday (16 July), introduces the first statutory definition of domestic abuse as well as a commissioner to champion victims and survivors.

Charities and councils have continued to call for children to be given more legal protection, and for this to be backed with enough investment in specialist services.

A report last month from a joint committee of MPs and peers had described the draft bill as "silent" on the "plight of children", and called for them to be given the status of victim in affected homes.

A government response to the report this month acknowledged that "more could be done" in the bill, adding that statutory guidance "will outline the range of impact domestic abuse can have on children, as well as appropriate support and referral mechanisms".

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