Assumption: "Children are only victims of domestic abuse if they are physically hurt."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Harm is often judged only by physical injury or by whether a child remembers what happened.
Court Reality
Practice Direction 12J recognises that children can be harmed by living in a home where domestic abuse happens, including by witnessing it, even where they are too young to understand what is happening. Courts must consider this in cases where domestic abuse is raised.
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The Gap?
"Children are only victims of domestic abuse if they are physically hurt."
Court Reality
Practice Direction 12J recognises that children can be harmed by living in a home where domestic abuse happens, including by witnessing it, even where they are too young to understand what is happening. Courts must consider this in cases where domestic abuse is raised.
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