Fear children are more at risk of being exposed to domestic abuse during the summer break

Police fear children are more at risk of being exposed to domestic abuse during the summer break.

Throughout the school break families often spend more time together, whether that is on holiday, for day trips or at home behind closed doors.

This could leave a heightened risk for both victims of domestic abuse, whether that is adult or children, and a greater risk that perpetrators could expose children to the crime too.

In June 264 people were arrested by Gloucestershire Police on suspicion of domestic abuse related offences, and 82 per cent of detainees were men (215 men, 49 women).

Gloucestershire Police has been releasing the figures of domestic abuse related arrests throughout the year, with the six month mark totalling 1,407 arrests.

Detective Chief Superintendent Kerry Paterson said: "Perpetrators committing domestic abuse clearly continues to be a prevalent issue, and one which we fear will increase during the school summer holidays.

"If someone abuses their partner, their children can also often be exposed to traumatic incidents, which could have a hugely damaging and long-lasting impact.

"During the school summer holidays families will likely spend more time together, which I'm sure is a positive for a lot of people who live within the county. 

"However, this could mean a perpetrator has more opportunity to abuse their partner or family members, leaving victims in an isolated and unsafe environment for a prolonged period of time.

"This too heightens the risk for children to be exposed to traumatic incidents, at a time when schools are closed and they may not feel they have available support or another trusted adult they can speak to."

Since the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a child who sees, hears, or experiences the effects of domestic abuse and is related to the victim or the suspect is also to be regarded as a victim, rather than a witness.

Domestic abuse describes a range of behaviours including physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour as well as digital, economic, psychological and emotional abuse.

Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service states more than half of domestic abuse survivors say that the school holidays make it harder to get help.

The NSPCC said for the past three years their Helpline has handled an above average number of child welfare contacts about domestic abuse in August - this is when adults contact the NSPCC about concerns for a child or children. 

Det Ch Supt Paterson added: "We want people to know that support is always available, for both adults and children.

"Concerns can be raised to the police and other agencies such as Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service and the NSPCC, which has a Helpline to support anyone who has concerns about a child."

For more information on domestic abuse, information on how to report and a list of organisations which provide support, visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/ 

You can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected] if you are worried about a child.

Professional support is available for anyone who has an abusive partner, former partner or relative – contact Gloucestershire Domestic Abuse Support Service on 01452 726 570 or email: [email protected]. More information is available on their website: https://www.gdass.org.uk/

The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme gives any member of the public the right to ask the police if their partner may pose a risk to them. It is often called 'Clare's Law' after the landmark case that led to it.

This scheme also allows a member of the public to make an enquiry into the partner of a close friend or family member. For more information on this visit: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/alpha2/request-information-under-clares-law/