NSPCC: More help needed for Dorset's child victims of domestic abuse
The charity's been revealing some shocking figures
The NSPCC is calling on the Government to ensure the child victims of domestic abuse get the support they need.
It comes as figures from the charity show there were 571 referrals from Dorset Police to social services last year.
Across England and Wales, there were a total of 244, 197 child protection referrals in 202/21, according to figures from Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Services - that's the equivalent of 669 every day.
There's now pressure from the NSPCC for Dominic Raab, Deputy Prime Minister and Lord Chancellor, to ensure all child victims of domestic abuse have access to specialist, therapeutic services in the community to support their recovery.
Anna Edmundson, NSPCC Head of Policy and Public Affairs, said:
“Sadly, we know these figures are the tip of the iceberg as domestic abuse often goes unreported.
“Domestic abuse can derail a childhood and it is unacceptable that support to recover remains patchy across the country, and what is available risks being axed by cash-strapped councils.
“We urge Dominic Raab to use the Victim’s Law to address this and ensure young victims of domestic abuse have easy access to professional services within their community so they can rebuild their lives no matter where they live.”
The NSPCC says domestic abuse can have a huge impact on a child’s confidence, as well as their emotional wellbeing and mental health.
It's believed the problem's also been exacerbated by the pandemic, with children trapped in violent homes and cut off from support networks during lockdowns.
Last week, a change in the law meant children can now be officially recognised as victims of domestic abuse, as part of the Domestic Abuse Act.
The NSPCC say they hope this will make it more likely that their needs are considered by professionals on the frontline such as social workers and police.