Campaigners are calling on the government to give greater protection to the 1,533 children living with domestic abuse in Dorset.

The NSPCC says such children need to be recognised as victims under law, and fears an opportunity may be missed as new legislation is drawn up.

Legal recognition as victims would give children greater explicit protection through domestic abuse protection orders, would help professionals to take action to protect children at risk, and would help authorities ensure there are specific services to help young people overcome the trauma of exposure to domestic abuse.

It comes as the government is set to publish a White Paper for its Domestic Violence and Abuse Bill.

But the children's charity says the proposed new definition of domestic abuse ignores the effect growing up in abusive households has on children, despite it being a factor in more than half of child protection assessments across England last year.

Local figures for 2017/18 reveal the amount of assessments in which domestic abuse was a factor was 1,131 for Dorset, 253 for Bournemouth and 149 for Poole – a total county-wide total of 1,533.

Almudena Lara, Head of Policy at the NSPCC, said: "It is quite astonishing that the government is dragging its feet when deciding whether to recognise young people as victims when almost a quarter of a million children that we know of are living with domestic abuse in England alone.

"As well as the day-to-day distress that living with domestic abuse creates, it can cause long-term problems into adulthood that can only be addressed through targeted services that understand the complex trauma children living with domestic abuse experience.

“For this to be done effectively we need government to open their eyes to the harm domestic abuse has on children and give them victim status in the upcoming White Paper to ensure they receive the services they need.”

Adults concerned about a child living with domestic abuse can contact the NSPCC Helpline confidentially for advice and support on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

Victims' safety is a priority for police

The Home Office has yet to respond to the Echo's request for comment.

Asked what Dorset Police is doing to help children affected by domestic abuse, a force spokesman said: "Dorset Police takes domestic abuse extremely seriously and it is a priority for the force to support and safeguard victims of any form of domestic abuse, encourage the reporting of these crimes and work to bring those who inflict the abuse to justice.

"Any child who witnesses or is subjected to such abuse is always referred to the multi-agency safeguarding hub, known as the MASH, made up of the local authority children's services alongside Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Police. The MASH will always support and assess a child’s individual needs and where appropriate they can put in place a range of safeguarding measures."

The spokesman added: If you are experiencing domestic abuse, or if you know someone who is, there are many organisations that can help. Call the National Domestic Violence Helpline on: 0808 2000 247 or visit: www.dorsetforyou.com/dvahelp.

"In an emergency – if a crime is in progress or life is in danger – please dial 999. For non-emergencies please visit www.dorset.police.uk/do-it-online or call 101."