Better Together: Voice of the Child Conference 2026
Thames Valley Police this week hosted the third annual Better Together: Voice of the Child Conference, bringing together partners from across the Thames Valley to consider how agencies can strengthen their response to children affected by domestic abuse.
The event was attended by more than 180 professionals from education, health, policing, social care and the voluntary sector, reflecting the shared commitment across the region to improving outcomes for children who witness or experience domestic abuse.
The conference opened with a short video illustrating the lived realities of domestic abuse for children. The video aligned with current Thames Valley Police data, which shows that of 32,000 domestic abuse incidents recorded in the last six months, 14,000 (45%) involved a child. This equates to 78 children every day experiencing or being exposed to domestic abuse across the Thames Valley.
Attendees heard from Chief Constable Jason Hogg, Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Barber, Assistant Chief Constable Oliver Wright, and Dame Nicole Jacobs, the first ever Domestic Abuse Commissioner for England and Wales.
Speakers highlighted the need for all agencies to make clear, informed and sometimes difficult decisions in the best interests of children.
Chief Constable Hogg reiterated the Force’s commitment to ensuring that the needs and experiences of children remain central to all operational decision‑making:
“Our commitment is to every child, and our mantra is every child seen, every child heard, every child safe. We are asking our officers to understand the experience of every child and recognise how trauma may influence the behaviour they encounter.”
The conference also heard from a survivor who shared their experience of 15 years of coercive control. They spoke about the long‑term impact on their children and the importance of ensuring their voices are recognised and supported.
T/Chief Superintendent Lee Barnham reflected on the day, saying:
“The conference demonstrated the strength of partnership working across the Thames Valley. Addressing the impact of domestic abuse on children requires a coordinated, consistent approach, and today reaffirmed our shared commitment to that goal.”
Attendees then took part in facilitated group discussions exploring practical improvements to multi‑agency working, information sharing, and the identification of risk.
The message carried throughout the conference was clear: every agency has a role in ensuring that children living with domestic abuse are identified early, listened to, and protected.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, please reach out. You are not alone. There is advice and information, as well as how to report on our domestic abuse webpage. If you are in immediate danger, please call 999.
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