Much of the research into the impact on children of living in households with domestic abuse, parental substance misuse and mental health is from the perspective of adults – with limited insights from children themselves. In this study, the Children’s Commissioner wanted to hear directly from children what it was like to live in these households. 

This report is based on a collaborative qualitative research study conducted in partnership between the University of Suffolk and Survivors in Transition (SiT) between January and May 2018, looking at the impact of delayed disclosure and access to services and support for those who experienced sexual abuse in their childhood.

The use of restorative justice in cases of domestic abuse is highly controversial. While little is known about how restorative approaches are used by the police, recent research shows they are used on a widespread basis to respond to domestic abuse throughout England and Wales (Westmarland et al, 2018). This study delves deeper, to look at 62 cases within one police force. Qualitative police data extracted from force systems were analysed to discover in what type of domestic abuse incidents restorative approaches are used, and what type of approaches are used.

Our new report on