Domestic abuse does not stop for Santa

Domestic abuse does not stop for Santa

Kayleigh Bell](https://www.hay-kilner.co.uk/our-people/kayleigh-bell/), Divorce & Family

Unfortunately, there are many households that are subject to domestic abuse, which can be heightened over the festive period.

There are different forms of domestic abuse such as:

• physical or sexual abuse
• violent or threatening behaviour
• controlling or coercive behaviour
• economic abuse
• psychological, emotional or other abuse

It does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.

Children are recognised in law as victims of domestic abuse

Since January 2022 the law recognises the devastating impact that domestic abuse can have on children. Specifically, that a child, (under 18 years old), who sees, hears, or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related to the victim or the suspect is also to be regarded as a victim of domestic abuse.

How are children affected by domestic abuse?

Children who witness or are exposed to domestic abuse can be at risk of being affected both short and long term, physically and mentally.

For example, in young children this may include bed-wetting and difficulty sleeping and in older children having low self-esteem. Clearly, each child is very different and will display different signs of effects of domestic abuse.

It is important to recognise the signs and any changes in your child’s behaviour.

Here is a helpful link to what signs you can look out for:

• Support for parents and carers

Victims of domestic abuse are not alone!

There are local charities that can support vulnerable families such as NIDAS and HARBOUR.
It may be that a family needs the protection of the Court.

Next steps

Kayleigh Bell has considerable advocacy experience in dealing with complex cases involving the most serious issues, including all aspects of domestic abuse such as physical, emotional and sexual and parent alienation. Get in touch to find out how she can help.