The Domestic Abuse Commissioner’s latest report paints a stark picture: thousands of children are facing domestic abuse without the specialist support they urgently need—and many of the services meant to protect them are at risk of collapse.

At Watkins Solicitors, our Domestic Abuse team sees the reality of this every day. Children caught in the crossfire of domestic abuse suffer not only the trauma of violence and control but also the devastating consequences of an overstretched and underfunded support system.

Our Managing Partner Beverley, echoes the Commissioner’s concerns:

“We see first hand that domestic abuse doesn’t end when a relationship does. It can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, identity, and emotional stability for years to come. Children are not just witnesses to abuse, they are survivors too.

At Watkins Solicitors, we regularly support families where children are struggling with the lasting impact of abuse. While the legal system can provide protection and clear arrangements, it cannot replace the vital role of therapeutic and community based services. Families need both legal safeguards and long term emotional support to begin rebuilding safely.”

Recognising Children as Victims in Their Own Right
Thanks to the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children are legally recognised as victims in their own right, not just witnesses. But legal recognition is only part of the solution.

The Commissioner’s report reveals:

• Nearly 1 in 3 specialist domestic abuse services for children have shut down in the last five years due to funding cuts.

  • 31% of domestic abuse organisations reported they had to cease specialist services for children for funding reasons within the past five years. A further 35% had to absorb the costs internally just to keep the service running​.

• Over a quarter of children’s domestic abuse services have had to turn referrals away because they lacked the capacity or funding to support them.

  • 27% of services said they had to reject referrals due to being over capacity or underfunded​.

• Many children face long waits even when help is available. Almost half wait more than a month, and around one in 10 wait three to six months.

  • 45% of children wait more than a month to access support. 31% wait between one and three months, 8% between four and six months, and 5% wait over six months​

How We Help Families
Watkins Solicitors work closely with families navigating complex situations involving domestic abuse. Where legal protection is needed, we can help:

• Apply for Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders
  We help you apply for court orders that protect you and your children from an abusive partner. This can include stopping them from contacting or coming near you (Non-Molestation Order) or securing your right to stay in the family home (Occupation Order).

• Advise on child contact arrangements that prioritise safety and wellbeing
  We support you in making safe decisions about your child seeing the other parent. If there has been abuse, we’ll help you explore options that protect your child’s emotional and physical safety.

• Offer clear legal advice during safeguarding and public law proceedings
  If social services are involved with your family, we provide straightforward advice to guide you through the process and make sure your voice is heard.

We also maintain strong relationships with local services and can signpost families to additional support.

If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse and needs legal advice, you can speak to our specialist team in confidence. Please contact Watkins Solicitors on 0117 939 0350 or email info@watkinssolicitors.co.uk.