Domestic Abuse Commissioner Report - Victims in their own right?

In April 2025, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner has published a report 'Victims in their own right'?  Babies, children and young peoples experience of domestic abuse. 

In 2021, children were, for the first time, recognised in law as victims of domestic abuse in their own right in England and Wales. Section 3 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines a child victim as any child who “sees or hears, or experiences the effects of, the abuse.”  Despite this, it is still unclear what this means in practice. 

This new report ‘Victims in their own right?’ examines the current response to children and young people
who experience domestic abuse at home or in their family across both the statutory and non-statutory response. It draws on extensive engagement and comprehensive insights to support recommendations across seven key themes. The report evidences current gaps in provision, examples of good practice, and provides constructive solutions for a coordinated approach that makes the improvements needed. 

View Full Report [PDF Document]

View Executive Summary Report [PDF Document]