As a Consultant Paediatrician in the NHS, I have seen the damage and distress caused to children who witness abuse. That is why I have been fully supportive of the need for better legislation to protect victims of domestic abuse, including children.
I am proud of the work that has gone into the Domestic Abuse Bill and am very pleased that it has now received Royal Assent, which means it has passed into enacted law.
This legislation creates a legal definition of domestic abuse which includes financial, verbal and emotional as well as physical and sexual abuse. with the offence of controlling or coercive behaviour extended to include abuse where perpetrators and victims no longer live together. It also ensures that children are explicitly recognised as victims if they witness abuse.
Going forward, local authorities in England will also have a statutory duty to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges, and those who are threatened with homelessness due to domestic abuse will join the priority need status for rehousing, helping them to find safe accommodation faster.
