Children classed as domestic abuse victims under new guidance

Children affected by domestic abuse will be automatically treated as victims regardless of whether they were present during violent incidents, the CPS announced today.

In line with new domestic abuse legislation which mean young people will get automatic access to support like mental health and safeguarding services, we’ve updated our guidance, asking prosecutors to consider the powers available to them regarding Special Measures.

Updated legal guidance released by the Crown Prosecution Service today specifically asks prosecutors to consider the impact domestic abuse has on young people when making a charging decision.  This includes speaking to schools or Child Services to support evidence of long-standing abuse.