Domestic abuse age limit review 'by end of year'

REVIEWING the age limit in the Domestic Abuse Act after Holly Newton's murder will conclude this year, Parliament has heard.

- By NICK LESTER and DANIEL HALL

'Holly's Law' has been prompted by the death of 15-year-old Holly Newton

The case of Holly Newton was raised at Westminster by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley, on Monday.

The current legal age for people to be recognised as domestic abuse victims is 16. Holly's parents have campaigned for younger people to be recognised.

Holly was fatally stabbed on her way home from school in January 2023. A teenage boy was found guilty of her death, in August 2024.

The act is being looked at by the Home Office with a review scheduled to conclude this year, the House of Lords heard in respond to a question by the senior Anglican cleric.

Campaigners have pointed out age is no barrier to the crime, with youngsters also falling victim to violence and coercive behaviour in their relationships.