The Domestic Act 2021 recognises all children as victims of Domestic abuse if they see hear or experience the effects of the abuse, are aged under 18 years old and related to either the victim or the perpetrator.
Children are affected in many ways by Domestic abuse, even after a short time. These effects include:
- feeling frightened, anxious or depressed
- becoming withdrawn, low self-esteem, difficulty forming healthy relationships
- bed-wetting
- Hypervigilance around changes in mood and atmosphere
- poor concentration
- inconsistent regulation of emotions includes becoming distressed, upset or angry
- problems with school, risk of exclusion
- using alcohol, drugs or self-harming