NSPCC calling for government to protect children across Dorset from domestic abuse

The NSPCC is calling on the Government to pass a law to recognise children as victims when living in homes with domestic abuse

A total of 1,533 children across the Dorset will not be recognised as victims in their own right if the government’s proposed new definition goes ahead.

The charity is also urging the Government to publish its Domestic Violence and Abuse White Paper without delay.

Almudena Lara, NSPCC’s Head of Policy, said: “It is quite astonishing that the government is dragging its feet when deciding whether to recognise young people as victims when almost a quarter of a million children that we know of are living with domestic abuse in England alone.”

Almudena affirms that the issue is becoming increasingly more important to address, as the children develop in their lives.

She said: “As well as the day-to-day distress that living with domestic abuse creates, it can cause long-term problems into adulthood that can only be addressed through targeted services that understand the complex trauma children living with domestic abuse experience.”

According to the Department of Education, domestic violence was a factor in 246,720 child protection assessments across England in 2017/18.

Now, several actions are being taken to protect vulnerable children from exploitation in Dorset.

A new strategic group, set up by the County Council, will begin tracking high risk cases starting work this month.

The county is also using methods such as a screening and assessment tool to assess children who could be at danger of exploitation.

A report being discussed at County Hall on Monday (14th January), will inform attendees of the new action plan, ensuring intelligence is shared between agencies and will be responded to in a ‘timely and effective way’.