Calls for the age Domestic Violence is Recognised to be Looked at

The BBC recently published an article saying they have been told, by the home secretary, that the government will be looking at the age at which domestic abuse victims are recognised by law.

After the murder of 15-year-old Holly Newton by a vexed ex-boyfriend, her family have campaigned to have the age a person can be recognised as domestic abuse victim age lowered.

Holly’s mother, Micala Trussler, has spent the last two years campaigning for a lower age of recognition. She states that, as children are getting into relationships much earlier, they can be victims of domestic abuse.

The government have responded positively to calls to reduce the age. Yvette cooper – home secretary – sympathised with the family of Holly Newton and recognised the issue as extremely important.

The age of recognition for a domestic abuse victim was reduced in 2012 to 16 from 18. Many people, such as Micala, are pushing for this to be lowered even further. As teenagers are getting into relationships younger than sixteen and can experience abuse at the hands of their partners.

We are hoping to see changes to the law that protects younger children. As a firm, we stand by the call for this law to change. Victims of domestic abuse can be any age or gender.

There are also calls for better education on domestic abuse. This includes educating children, teachers, and parents on abusive behaviours and the laws that can protect them.

Actions such as controlling, coercive, threatening, or degrading form behavioural patterns which are recognised as domestic abuse. Violence, stalking, harassment, and extreme violence occur in severe cases of domestic abuse.

An understanding of how to recognise abusive behaviours and the support that available is vital for reducing severe cases.

If you need legal support concerning domestic abuse, our expert family solicitors have helped many through this distressing time. Call 0844 800 9860 for free initial advice. Legal aid is also available.