CYP Now - Domestic Abuse Bill will fail to protect children, charities warn

The government's legislation to tackle domestic abuse does not go far enough to protect and support vulnerable children affected by the issue, children's charity leaders have warned.

Barnardo's chief executive Javed Khan was among those to criticise the bill. Picture: Alex Deverill

The draft legislation, first published in January 2019, is intended to tackle rises over the past decade in domestic abuse reports, referrals to children's social care services, and requests for refuge placements.

It was due to be passed in the last parliament but was dropped due to December's general election. It is now being reintroduced, with its first reading in the House of Commons set to take place today. However, children's charities have warned that it does not go far enough to protect children.

Barnardo’s chief executive Javed Khan said children are the "hidden victims of domestic abuse", suffering trauma that can last a lifetime.

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