Families and Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence, it can take the form of emotional cruelty, financial control or sexual abuse. The impact on children who witness abuse or are themselves abused is significant and can affect their emotional and educational development.

Around one in four women is subject to domestic abuse during their lifetime.
Abuse is more likely to occur during pregnancy, or when there are children in the household.
In 80% of cases children are in the same or next room when abuse occurs.
Half of all children living in abusive households will themselves be victims of abuse.
In the UK two women every week are killed as a result of domestic abuse.

Young children affected by domestic abuse may suffer extreme anxiety, wet themselves, complain of tummy aches or find it difficult to sleep. Older children may become aggressive, start to use alcohol or drugs, or harm themselves.

Often, the only way to end the abuse is to leave the family home and set up a new life away from the abuser. This can take several attempts and may mean leaving everything behind; including friends, family, school, work and personal belongings.

In addition to the emotional distress domestic abuse causes, many families also experience severe financial hardship when they leave their abuser to set up a new home elsewhere.

Find out more about what Family Action does to support families affected by domestic abuse.

Read more about Family Action’s Grants service, which can provide grants to families struggling to set up home.

Read more about Family Action’s Contact Centres.