Women’s Aid has published its third child homicides report focusing on children who have been killed by a parent who was a perpetrator of domestic abuse, in circumstances relating to child contact in England and Wales. The report outlines the stories of 19 children following a review of child safeguarding practice reviews published between 2015 and 2024. Key themes explored in the report include: recognising children’s experiences; professionals’ understanding of coercive and controlling behaviour; understanding child contact as a tool to manipulate professionals; and supporting non abusive parents. The report highlights the need for a culture shift in the response to domestic abuse from professionals involved in child contact arrangements and recommendations include calls for legislative change to repeal the presumption of parental involvement.
Read the report: Nineteen more child homicides
Source: Women’s Aid
Date published: 19 June 2025
