research in practice

At the close of the year, the Government announced a consultation on plans to widen the scope of definitions of domestic violence to include victims aged under 18 (and those experiencing ongoing controlling behaviour from partners).

The evidence included in our Research Review Children Experiencing Domestic Violence, alongside feedback from our Partners, shows very clearly that young people - especially young women - experience domestic violence in all its forms. Violence in young people’s peer relationships may not be disclosed to social workers engaging with young people on other issues but it’s vital that questions are asked and trust developed to support young people in this area. Practitioners are committed to supporting young people and protecting them from harm, and any change to the definition that makes their task easier is to be welcomed. We have also made available two videos related to the subject:

• Parent abuse: a hidden form of family violence
• Violence in young people’s relationships

The consultation will close by March 30, and we encourage all our Partners to respond.

You can respond to the consultation here.