Concerns for a child or young person

Legally, children from 16 years are considered victims of domestic abuse in their own right. Somerset’s Integrated Domestic Abuse service provides a service specifically to help younger victims of domestic abuse in addition to the adult service.

If you are concerned about the possibility of a teenager being involved in an abusive relationship, consider the support pathway specifically for younger people

If the child is younger than 16, this falls under child protection, please refer to the Effective support for families document.

You can also complete a domestic abuse (DASH) risk assessment to help determine the level of risk, and whether specialist domestic abuse service support may also be required.

Concerned about whether domestic abuse is affecting a child?

Take a look at the Domestic Violence Risk Indicator Matrix (DVRIM) for advice.

Talk to us

If you are concerned about someone, our local, confidential helpline will advise anyone seeking help with domestic abuse. This includes relatives, friends and work colleagues as well as those who are causing harm.

Speak to us on 0800 69 49 999. Our phone line is available 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week.