More must be done to protect children from domestic abuse

NSPCC Cymru / Wales has called for improvements in the delivery of domestic abuse legislation in Wales.

Giving evidence to a Welsh Assembly committee today (Thursday October 13^th), the charity said more could be done to ensure that new legislation properly protects and supports children.

The Violence against Women, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence (Wales) Act became law last year and is currently the subject of ‘post legislative scrutiny’ by the Equality, Local Government and Communities Committee.

This Act provides Wales with a golden opportunity to break the cycle of domestic abuse but, so far, the opportunities have not been seized.

The NSPCC has highlighted a lack of guidance for local authorities and health boards and a weak national strategy with poor focus on prevention in schools and support for children who have experienced domestic abuse.

Witnessing or being aware that violence is taking place between parents can blight a child’s life and many young people can also experience physical abuse and sexual violence in their own relationships.

The NSPCC recently released statistics showing a 58% increase in the number of people concerned about domestic abuse in Wales, with an average three calls a week to the charity’s free 24-hour helpline last year.

There were 170 contacts from Wales in 2015/16, up from 104 in 2011/12. In total, over the last five years, 726 calls were taken on this issue from adults in Wales.

Estimates show that around 150,000 children and young people in Wales are affected by domestic abuse at any one time. NSPCC Cymru / Wales today also highlighted a pressing need for compulsory healthy relationships education in schools.

Head of NSPCC Cymru / Wales, Des Mannion, said:

“This law has huge potential to improve prevention of abuse and support services for those affected by it.

“However, we have concerns that the measures promised in the Act are not being delivered. There needs to be a focus on children – in particular prevention programmes in schools and greater support for children who have experienced domestic abuse. Failing to deliver these improvements could mean a golden opportunity missed.

“Domestic abuse can have a lifelong impact on children and can affect their future relationships. Breaking this generational cycle is absolutely crucial.

“We have consistently called on the Welsh Government to see this form of abuse from a child’s point of view and we welcomed this legislation as a significant step forward.

“What matters now is ensuring it delivers.”