Refuge comment on UNICEF report

Refuge comment on UNICEF/Body shop report: Behind Closed Doors – the Impact of Domestic Violence on Children

Sandra Horley OBE, Chief Executive of Refuge

"No one knows the true extent of domestic violence so this report is an important step towards highlighting it as a global concern.  Domestic violence is a national problem in the UK and requires a national response.  Do we really want to live in a society where children grow up watching their mothers being beaten black and blue? 

For 35 years, Refuge has been supporting women and children affected by domestic violence.  Children who stay in our refuges are often traumatised by witnessing or suffering domestic violence.  Living in an emotional war zone they are often confused, fearful and feel isolated. 

Refuge has worked tirelessly to highlight the fact that children have a basic human right to live in safety.  Every day we support traumatised children in our refuges but despite changes in policy and legislation there is still no government funding to support these vital services.

Refuge continues to campaign for a fully funded national domestic violence strategy and urges the UK government to allocate specific resources to support children who are exposed to domestic violence both for services in refuges and the community."