Experts call for urgent reforms to better protect and support children affected by parental domestic homicide
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Researchers at the University of Edinburgh are calling for urgent reforms to better protect and support children affected by parental domestic homicide, following a major new study examining the long-term impact on young people across the UK and Ireland.
The research reveals that children bereaved by domestic homicide experience lifelong trauma, stigma, disrupted identities and inadequate support systems, with many left voiceless in decisions about their future care and relationships.
Children’s needs overlooked
The study involved in-depth interviews with 32 participants, including adults who lost a parent to domestic homicide as children, caregivers, and professionals working across health, law enforcement, social care and domestic abuse services. Researchers found that, while physical safety was often prioritised in the immediate aftermath of a killing, children’s emotional wellbeing, sense of identity and long-term recovery needs were frequently overlooked.
Participants described experiences of being abruptly separated from siblings, moved between carers, uprooted from schools and communities, and excluded from decisions about where they would live. Some children were compelled to maintain contact with the parent responsible for the killing, despite fear or distress.
Researchers say the findings expose major gaps in safeguarding policies and support systems, particularly around children’s voices and rights.
Harmful effects into adulthood
The report – led by Professor John Devaney, Centenary Chair of Social Work, along with Dr Zain Kurdi and Dr Claire Houghton, from the School of Social and Political Science – highlights how many children continue to face stigma and silence well into adulthood. Survivors described feeling “different” from their peers and burdened by harmful assumptions that they were permanently damaged or destined to repeat cycles of abuse.
Interviewees also spoke about the lack of tailored mental health support. While some benefited from specialist organisations and peer support groups, others struggled to access services equipped to deal with the unique trauma associated with domestic homicide.
The research comes as Scotland introduces a new domestic homicide and suicide review system from April 2026, which includes a dedicated focus on children and young people. The researchers welcomed the development but warn that significant work remains to ensure consistent child-centred approaches across all UK and Irish jurisdictions.
The study also draws attention to legal and financial complications faced by surviving children and carers. In some cases, convicted perpetrators retained parental rights, access to family assets or influence over decisions such as passports, school records and medical treatment.
Researchers point to international examples of stronger protections, including Italy’s ‘special orphans’ legislation, which provides dedicated legal, financial and psychological support for children whose parent has been killed through domestic abuse.
Recommendations for reforms
The report makes 10 recommendations aimed at governments, policymakers and frontline services.
These include:
- Systematically recording the number of children affected by domestic homicide
- Improving access to trauma-informed mental health care
- Strengthening legal protections
- Expanding peer support networks
- Ensuring children are meaningfully consulted about decisions affecting their lives.
The researchers also call for greater sensitivity in media reporting of domestic homicide cases, warning that sensationalist coverage can retraumatise bereaved children and families for years afterwards.
Professor John Devaney said: “These findings demonstrate that parental domestic homicide is not only a crime against an individual victim, but a devastating event that reshapes the lives of children, families and entire communities for decades.
“We hope the research will contribute to stronger safeguarding frameworks and more compassionate, coordinated support for children affected by domestic abuse-related deaths across the UK and Ireland.”
Read the research report here.
Learn more about the research team on their web profiles: