Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many children have lost a parent to domestic violence in each of the last five years; and what steps have been taken to mitigate the effect of domestic violence on children.

The Home Office holds information on the number of domestic abuse-related incidents and offences recorded by the police in England and Wales. From this information it is not possible to tell how many children have lost a parent to domestic violence in the last five years however we recognise the devastating and lifelong impact that domestic abuse has on children who can carry the effect into adulthood. Since the last inspection, HMIC found that the police have improved their understanding of the impact of domestic abuse on children, and have increased their focus on the risk to children following a domestic abuse incident, resulting in a significant increase in referrals to social services.

In addition, this Government will bring forward a Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill which will protect and support victims including children. This will include the Conservative manifesto commitment to allow courts to hand down tougher sentences on abusers where their behaviour involves a child, reflecting the grievous and life-long impact that abuse can have on children.