Barnardos says the effects of domestic abuse on children are getting worse.

The charity says children are often thought of second, because it is normally a parent who reaches out first for help.

Today a panel of experts will meet with the Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald to discuss protecting children even further.

June Tinsley from Barnardos says something needs to be done: “There is a greater need for availability of therapeutic support for children, to help them heal and to realise they are not at fault.

“They are not alone and to realise domestic abuse can happen in many many relationships and it is not normal and it has to be tackled.”