Women’s Aid responds to the Ministry of Justice announcing plans for a new Victims’ Code to better protect children

Isabelle Younane, Head of External Affairs at Women’s Aid, comments:  

 

“Children are harmed by domestic abuse whether or not they directly witness the abuse taking place, and for too long, they were not seen as victims in their own right. We welcome the introduction of a new and improved Victims’ Code, which commits to prioritising the rights and needs of children.  

 

“While the introduction of the new Code is welcome, it must come with significant awareness raising – victims must know that not only does it exist, but that it applies to them and will help them to safety and justice. There remains a significant gap in dedicated support for children, which can leave young people not only with nowhere to turn, but without the care they need to recover from abuse.  it is critical that investment in dedicated support delivered by specialist services, accompanies the Code, ensuring that child victims can be supported and their voices heard.”