Domestic abuse has a profound impact on a child’s emotional wellbeing, confidence, relationships and future life chances, without specialist support, the effects of trauma can persist into adulthood. In Berkshire, demand for specialist support continues to outstrip capacity, with Berkshire Women’s Aid able to support only 66% of referrals to its children and young people’s programmes last year.

With increased funding, Berkshire Women’s Aid can expand its children and young people’s services, ensuring more children affected by domestic abuse receive timely support. Additional funding would help reduce waiting lists, accept more referrals and deliver specialist programmes that help children recover from trauma, build resilience and develop healthy relationships. Investing in these services ensures vulnerable children receive the support they need to feel safe, heal and thrive.