Bill ignores abuse

Domestic abuse should have been specifically referred to in the
Children Bill because it is present in two-thirds of all child
protection registered cases.

Speaking at a session on domestic abuse, chair of the Cheshire
Domestic Abuse Partnership Sue Bridge claimed it was also a common
feature adversely affecting children’s educational attainment,
mental health and behaviour.

Given its presence at the root of so many issues across police,
health and social care, it was a missed opportunity not to address
it head-on in children’s legislation and “name it”, she said.