There are important gaps in policy and knowledge with respect to children and young people with disability who experience domestic and family violence (DFV), even though they are known to experience it at rates significantly higher than their peers without disability.When children and young people with disability experience DFV, they are often in contact with a greater range of services than many other children and for a longer period of time.

Our research aimed to provide new knowledge on how children and young people with disability experience DFV, and how well services support them.

This presentation will provide new knowledge on the nature and extent of domestic and family violence by children and young people with disability. By utilising linked data we have been able to identify the extent of children and young people with disability who experience domestic and family violence and how it varies by children’s type of disabilities. Alongside this, qualitative research with children, families and support services has identified a range of critical issues for practitioners and policy makers across health and social services.

• There are a high proportion of children with disabilities exposed to family and domestic violence and involved with child protection services.
• There is variability among exposure for children with different types of disabilities.
• Children and families who experience FDV face complex challenges and these challenges are increased for children who may require extra support.
• With such a high proportion of children with disabilities involved in FDV services or the child protection system, organisations across all sectors should ensure their staff have the skills and resources to address these additional needs