Children can be victims of domestic abuse too
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 recognises that domestic abuse is not always physical.
It can include controlling behaviour and emotional or psychological abuse.
The Act also recognises children as victims when they see, hear or experience the effects of domestic abuse.
This was an important change. But adult survivors can still face barriers when they seek justice for what happened during childhood.
The problem with time limits
A civil claim is when someone asks a court for compensation for harm caused to them.
These claims will often have to be started within three years. When the harm happened during childhood, that deadline will usually begin when the survivor turns 18.
Courts can sometimes allow a late claim, but there is no guarantee. This can leave adult survivors uncertain about whether their case will ever be heard.
What changed in 2026?
In 2026, Parliament removed the usual three-year deadline for qualifying civil claims involving child sexual abuse.
The change recognises that it can take survivors many years to understand what happened, speak about it and feel ready to seek justice.
But the new rule only applies to sexual abuse.
It does not give the same protection to people seeking to bring claims involving childhood physical abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, or neglect.
What we are asking for
We are asking Parliament to extend the new rules so they cover qualifying civil claims involving:
childhood physical abuse;
childhood emotional or psychological abuse; and
childhood neglect.
Removing the usual deadline would not guarantee that a claim succeeds. The court would still consider the evidence, the harm caused and whether a fair hearing is possible.
It would simply give survivors of different forms of childhood abuse a fairer opportunity to have their case considered.
Why this matters
Many survivors do not understand the effect of childhood abuse until years later.
The type of abuse they experienced should not decide whether they are given the opportunity to seek civil justice.
The law recognises that emotional and psychological harm is real.
We believe the rules on time limits should recognise it too.