UP TO 60 children face the threat of domestic violence in the south west every day - and a children's charity is claiming it's the ‘collateral damage of Brexit’

Action for Children say that during the period of the general election alone, the equivalent of 2,200 children are exposed to domestic violence.

The charity's analysis is based on official figures from the Department for Education, and comes as the fate of landmark legislation once again hangs in the balance because, says the charity 'of the chaos surrounding Brexit'.

"The Domestic Abuse Bill has fallen twice as it passed through parliament to become law – firstly due to the government’s ill-fated Prorogation attempt and now because of the General Election," said a spokesman.

Action for Children’s chief executive, Julie Bentley, said: “Leave or Remain, our politicians must not allow children living in the terrifying shadow of domestic abuse to become part of the collateral damage of Brexit.

“Every day our frontline workers see the emotional scars of domestic abuse on children in the South West and across the country. From nightmares, flashbacks and bed-wetting to depression, or even wanting to end their lives, the effects can last a lifetime. Too many are facing these horrors unnoticed or without the right help. and we have to recognise these children for what they are – victims, not just witnesses.

“These vulnerable children desperately need help from our politicians. We’re urging all parties to commit to prioritising a Bill on domestic abuse in the next Parliament and fund the specialist services children desperately need. And the next Prime Minister must bring in a National Childhood Strategy to make sure children across the country have a safe and happy childhood.”