"Q We were talking about children and the definition. It seems that both organisations accept that children can be victims, as well as observers. Is that correct?
Andrea Simon: I think it is probably unhelpful, as I said, to look at criminalising under-16s in terms of the offence of domestic abuse. There are dynamics for young people who are in relationships that are very concerning and worrying, and they need to be tackled, but we are …..." Liz Twist - View Speech
"Q There are a number of issues here, are there not? One is the issue of under-16 relationships, and clearly that is a real concern, but there is also the issue of how we best protect children who live in a household where there is domestic abuse. They might …..." Liz Twist - View Speech
"Q Ellie, can I ask you about children? On Second Reading, a number of MPs talked about their concerns about how children would benefit from the changes in the Bill. Could you tell us where you think it could be improved for children?
"Q A concern has been raised that if children are not included in the definition, there is a chance that there will be less provision of community-based as well as accommodation-based services. Is that a concern that you share?
"Q Thank you. Can I ask both Suzanne and Ellie what changes you would seek to make to welfare provision, in order to ensure that victims and their children are able to escape violence and oppression? Suzanne, could you start?
"Q Ellie, did you want to comment on the welfare issue?
Ellie Butt: Yes. It is a huge issue for women in our services. As I said, it is really good that economic abuse will be in the new definition, but we need to do more to try and …..." Liz Twist - View Speech
"Q I have a few short questions. What is your view on the inclusion of children in the Bill’s definition? Is that desirable?
Nicole Jacobs: Yes, because children are victims of domestic abuse in their own right, so that would seem an obvious thing to want to do...." Liz Twist - View Speech
"Q There is a suggestion that that issue would be covered in the guidance. Have you seen the final guidance?
Nicole Jacobs: I have not. I have seen draft guidance. I think it should obviously be in the statutory guidance as well, but there is a strong case that …..." Liz Twist - View Speech