Children and Young People Bereaved by Parental Domestic Homicide – a Focus on the United Kingdom and Ireland

This study examines the impact of parental domestic homicide on children in the UK and Ireland, highlighting a significant yet under-researched social issue. Despite evidence that children are frequently involved in such cases, their experiences remain marginalised in both research and policy. Drawing on interviews with individuals with lived experience, caregivers, and professionals, the study reveals that children face profound and enduring consequences, including traumatic grief, disrupted development, and long-term challenges to identity and wellbeing. Many experience multiple adversities, such as displacement, separation from siblings, and exposure to violence, often compounded by inadequate support systems.

The findings emphasise that children’s voices are frequently excluded from decisions regarding their care, including in respect of who should care for them, and what contact, if any they should have with the personal responsible for the death of their parent, and sometimes also other family members, undermining their agency. Children often reported being separated from siblings and other important family members. Inconsistent safeguarding practices, lack of coordinated services, and insufficient access to tailored therapeutic support further exacerbate outcomes. Stigma and social silence surrounding domestic homicide contribute to isolation and hinder recovery, while systemic gaps—such as poor data collection and limited attention within Domestic Homicide Reviews—restrict effective policy responses.

The study also identifies the complex role for caregivers, who often manage their own grief while supporting affected children, and underscores the importance of stable, supportive relationships and trauma-informed care. Legal and policy frameworks show some progress but remain limited, particularly in addressing children’s needs prior to conviction of the perpetrator.
Overall, the research calls for a child-centred, rights-based approach, improved data systems, enhanced mental health provision, and stronger legal protections. It advocates for greater inclusion of children’s perspectives and more comprehensive, coordinated support to address both immediate and long-term impacts of domestic homicide on children.