Children affected by domestic abuse will now be automatically treated as victims regardless of whether they were present during violent incidents, the CPS has announced. This means young people will get automatic access to support like mental health and safeguarding services.
Updated legal guidance released by the Crown Prosecution Service specifically asks prosecutors to consider the impact domestic abuse has on young people when making a charging decision.
Kate Brown, CPS Domestic Abuse lead, said:
“Growing up in a violent and toxic home has a hugely damaging and long-lasting impact on children. Today’s guidance, which recognises them as victims, not only offers them automatic support but means the effect on them is considered as part of the justice process.”
