Sadly, domestic abuse and violence are a part of many people’s lives.  In a large number of these  cases those affected are under 18. However, many people are not aware of this, and do not know how far-reaching the effects can be. 

SafeLives is a national charity with the goal of preventing – and eventually ending – domestic abuse. Since 2005, it has been providing many people with the help and support they need to escape abusive relationships. 

Recent research it conducted into this area, and has identified several trends.

The charity surveyed a number of 13 - 17-year-old children who had been exposed to domestic abuse and found, for example,

• in 61% of cases, the abuse these young people are exposed to is directed towards their mother.
• 46% of young people who have been exposed to domestic violence are being directly harmed as a result.

However, direct harm is not the only way this problem can affect children as intimate relationships can also end up becoming abusive for young people. While ex-partners are often seen as a threat, they are only responsible for 30% of this form of abuse. It is more likely that a current intimate relationship contains an abuser, which was the case for 61% of victims; 94% of whom are female.

Domestic abuse appears also to be self-perpetuating. Almost a quarter (24%) of young people who have been exposed to domestic abuse end up behaving harmfully in their relationships.

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