Cabinet Office
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New definition of domestic violence and abuse to include 16 and 17 year olds
Victims of domestic violence and abuse aged 16 and 17 will be recognised under a new cross-government definition, Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg announced yesterday.
The extension of the definition of domestic violence to include people under 18 is the latest move by the Government to tackle domestic violence. The decision follows a Government consultation which saw representatives from the police, voluntary organisations and local authorities call overwhelmingly for this change.
Extending the definition will increase awareness that young people in this age-group experience domestic violence and abuse, encouraging more of them to come forward and access the support they need – for example, speaking to someone about the abuse or contacting a helpline or a specialist service.
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