Question to the Ministry of Justice:

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, with reference to the recommendations of the Joint Committee on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill in its First Report of Session 2017–19, whether he plans to undertake a review on how to address domestic abuse in relationships between under-16 year olds.

We will publish our response to the remaining Joint Committee recommendations on the Draft Domestic Abuse Bill, including on whether to undertake a review on how to address domestic abuse in relationships between under-16 year olds, when the Bill is re-introduced. As the Leader of the House of Commons has indicated, we expect this to be ahead of the Easter recess.

Domestic abuse has a devastating impact on children and young people. Growing up in a household of fear and intimidation can impact their health, wellbeing and development, with lasting effects into adulthood. That is why the government has provided £8m over the last two years for services designed to support children affected by domestic abuse, be it perpetrated by parents/guardians or children they’re in a relationship with.

We are fully committed to enacting the landmark Domestic Abuse Bill to transform the response to domestic abuse. A key aim of the Bill is to raise awareness of the impact that domestic abuse can have on children and to ensure they are considered victims in their own right.