Liverpool's 'hidden victims' of domestic abuse

Liverpool has a “considerable number” of “hidden victims” of domestic abuse as the number of cases involving children increased by more than half. According to new information released by the local authority, more than 6,000 referrals were made to its social care teams in relation to domestic abuse in 2023/24.

A report released ahead of the city’s children and young people scrutiny committee said Liverpool already experiences “high levels” of domestic abuse that had been exacerbated by the covid-19 pandemic. A number of these include the area’s children.

The report said children are recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right if they see, hear, or experience the effects of abuse between two personally connected individuals who are aged 16 or over. It added: “Domestic abuse can harm children and young people and is a form of child abuse.

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“Children who witness, intervene, or hear incidents are affected in many ways, and effects can be serious and long-lasting.” Analysis by the city council said there are “significant numbers” of individuals who may feel unable to report instances of abuse, leading to “hidden victims” including children.

The document said: “The Covid-19 pandemic exacerbated challenges to tackling domestic abuse. More victims became hidden and during the recovery from the pandemic Liverpool has been confronted with further issues such as the cost-of-living crisis. Such pressures mean that we must counteract the rising demand on services which tackle the adverse impacts of domestic abuse, so that we can continue to deliver effective help to those in need.”

The number of contacts and referrals across the city has shot up in the last reporting period. In 2022/23, there were 4,131 contacts relating to domestic abuse, increasing to 6,255 – a rise of 51%.

In 2022/23, more than a third of domestic abuse contacts were referred to social care, rising to 45% the year after. The number of cases identified as a factor in children’s social care assessments has risen by a staggering 96%, from 1,351 in 22/23, to 2,646 in 23/24.

Amid this, local authority officials remain committed to tackle the issue. The report said: “It is a priority within the council plan and for partners.

“The Liverpool Domestic Abuse Partnership Board (LDAPB) hosts a number of members, made up of statutory and voluntary sector organisations, who work closely to tackle domestic abuse in the city. The LDAPB will lead on the operational delivery of this strategy and report directly to the Liverpool Citysafe Board, who hold governance and oversight of this area.”

The board seeks to reduce through prevention and increasing the knowledge and awareness of domestic abuse and ensuring residents know how and where to access services at the right time.

In their first monitoring visit, Ofsted acknowledged the positive experience children in need could access at the front door of services. It added how immediate risks to children are quickly recognised and responded to in a timely way by staff.

A further development is Operation Blackbird Pilot which will start in October 2024. This is a joint funded initiative between adults and children’s services. The aim of the pilot is to support victims of domestic abuse though joint working at the earliest possible opportunity while a perpetrator has been arrested and remains in custody – empowering victims to support prosecutions and engage in domestic abuse support services.