The problem
Current law recognises children as victims of domestic abuse - but only while they are still children.
Once we become adults, the system often treats our childhood trauma as if it never happened. If we disclose what we went through, there is no route to recognition unless the abuse was physical or sexual. Survivors of emotional or psychological abuse remain invisible.
This has to change.
What we’re asking for
Recognition in law
Amend the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 so adult survivors of non-physical childhood abuse in domestic settings are formally recognised as victims.
Justice without time limits
End arbitrary time bars. Survivors who disclose abuse in adulthood must not be told it is “too late.”
Guidance and safeguarding
Statutory guidance for police, CPS, and frontline services to record and respond to disclosures.
Trauma-informed routes to justice, including personal impact statements or safeguarding action where needed.
How England & Wales Can Move Forward
Other countries have already taken steps to recognise children who lived through abuse:
Scotland (2017) - abolished time limits on all childhood abuse cases, including emotional abuse.
Spain and Italy - children who witness domestic abuse are treated as direct victims, with stronger protections.
The Istanbul Convention (ratified by the UK in 2022) - requires recognition of children affected by domestic abuse.
England and Wales should not leave survivors invisible. These changes are the next logical step in protecting all victims of domestic abuse.