More than 1,700 children living with domestic abuse across Shropshire

Department for Education figures show domestic violence was a factor in 903 child protection assessments in the Shropshire Council area, while in Telford & Wrekin, it was a factor in 784.

The NSPCC is calling on the Government to recognise those youngsters living with domestic abuse as victims under law.

The opportunity to protect children from the effects of domestic abuse will be missed if the Government ignores calls to recognise them as victims in their own right, the charity said.

The children’s charity is urging the Government to publish its Domestic Violence and Abuse White Paper without delay and recognise children as victims in its domestic abuse laws.

A consultation closed last May but the government have yet to publish the outcome.

Almudena Lara, Head of Policy at the NSPCC, said: "It is quite astonishing that the government is dragging its feet when deciding whether to recognise young people as victims when almost a quarter of a million children that we know of are living with domestic abuse in England alone.

"As well as the day-to-day distress that living with domestic abuse creates, it can cause long-term problems into adulthood that can only be addressed through targeted services that understand the complex trauma children living with domestic abuse experience.

“For this to be done effectively we need government to open their eyes to the harm domestic abuse has on children and give them victim status in the upcoming White Paper to ensure they receive the services they need.”

Domestic violence was a factor in 246,720 child protection assessments nationally. The NSPCC received 7,377 contacts to its helpline nationally from members of the public concerned about children in domestic abuse situations in 2017/18.

Legal recognition as victims of domestic abuse would give children greater explicit protection through domestic abuse protection orders, would help professionals to take action to protect children at risk, and would help authorities ensure there are specific services to help young people overcome the trauma of exposure to domestic abuse.

Adults concerned about a child living with domestic abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline confidentially for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk