Behind the Headlines: Listening to Children Affected by Domestic Homicide
Every year, news headlines report on cases of domestic homicide. The stories focus on the crime, the investigation and the court process. But rarely do those headlines ask a simple question: What happens to the children?
At Children Heard and Seen, we support a number of children who have experienced the unimaginable — losing one parent to domestic homicide while the other parent receives a prison sentence.
For these children, the impact is profound and lifelong. Yet their experiences are often invisible to the systems designed to protect and support them.
The Children Behind the Headlines
To raise awareness of this issue, we recently released our short film “The Children Behind the Headlines.”
The film highlights the hidden reality faced by children when one parent kills the other and is subsequently imprisoned. These children are suddenly navigating grief, trauma, stigma and complex family changes — often at the same time as media coverage and criminal justice proceedings.
Despite the scale of this trauma, there is no consistent system in place to identify these children or ensure they receive the support they need. Too often, professionals in schools, social care and other services are unaware of the specific challenges these children face.
Why Listening to Lived Experience Matters
Children affected by domestic homicide often grow up without their voices being heard in the decisions that shape their lives.
That is why we are bringing together an advisory group in Westminster this April, creating a space for adults who experienced domestic homicide as children to share their insights and help shape better support for the next generation.
Their experiences can help answer critical questions:
- What support do children need immediately after a domestic homicide?
- How can schools respond more sensitively and effectively?
- What role should local authorities play in identifying and supporting these children?
- How can services reduce stigma and isolation for children living with this trauma?
By listening directly to those with lived experience, we can ensure future support is informed by the people who understand it best.
A Call for Change
Through this work, Children Heard and Seen is calling for several changes to better protect and support children affected by domestic homicide:
- Children must be identified to local authorities when one parent kills the other.
- Children’s voices must be central to decisions about their care and support.
- Professionals must receive training to understand the unique trauma these children experience.
- Children affected by domestic homicide should be recognised within national policy on violence against women and girls.
These changes are essential to ensure children are not left to navigate this trauma alone.
From Headlines to Understanding
Domestic homicide cases often dominate headlines for a short time. But for the children left behind, the impact lasts a lifetime.
Behind every headline is a child whose life has changed forever. By listening, learning and acting together, we can ensure these children are no longer invisible.
If you experienced this as a child and would like to contribute to the advisory group, please get in touch:
info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk
info@childrenheardandseen.co.uk