The Joanna Simpson Foundation is transforming the care, support and protection to children affected by domestic abuse and homicide through investment in new services, research and knowledge, influencing social policy and creating public awareness of the needs of these children. It is estimated that one quarter of young people have witnessed at least one episode of domestic violence by the age of 1
8. Nearly 130,000 children are living in households where there is risk of death or serious harm as a result of domestic violence, and up to 200 children every year are bereaved through homicide. There is evidence that children affected by these crimes may go on to repeat these patterns as adults. It is vital to provide such children with a safe, secure and supportive environment, giving them the chance to heal and rebuild their lives and to strive for fulfilling and positive futures. As well as improving the lives today of many thousands of children, this must also have a positive impact for the next generation of society. We work with a range of partners across the public, private and charitable sectors and are guided and advised by trusted legal and academic specialists. In its first two years, the Joanna Simpson Foundation is focused on victims of domestic homicide and is:
1. Investing in services to offer the right advice and support to new carers, as well as preparing and empowering young people when a perpetrator is released from custody.
2. Establishing a full understanding of the unique needs of these children through focused research
3. Influencing public policies to ensure a child-centric legal and criminal justice system. The Foundation has already demonstrated its capability as a respected and successful campaigner, with the CPS announcing its first ever Legal Guidance on Domestic Homicides in May this year.
4. Raising public awareness and understanding of domestic homicide and its devastating effects.
