We must give children caught up in domestic abuse a proper voice, says Mandy Proctor, chief executive of support charity Leeway.

The recent holiday time gave an opportunity for many children to spend quality time with their families, maybe to have some family outings or take a trip to the seaside. Simple things like this are often taken for granted and thinking about this made me realise how important it is that children are able to enjoy their childhood in a safe, loving environment.

Sadly this is not always the case as the impact that domestic abuse has on children is huge, with one in five exposed, it is often an issue that people do not think about.

Domestic abuse can often be a cause of disruptive behaviour, bed wetting, low self-esteem and lack of confidence. The effects can also be displayed in behaviours such as being ultra-good and afraid to step out of line, for fear of the consequences if they make a mistake or under-achieve.

Leaving home in an emergency to move into a refuge can be a scary time for children, in many cases they will be leaving their friends, family, school, pets, toys and personal belongings behind.

It is quite common for parents not to talk about the abuse happening with their children, for fear of distressing them. In most instances we have found that children appreciate the opportunity to talk, as many are aware of what's going on at home behind closed doors, even if they haven't directly been involved or witnessed the abuse.

Leeway supported 3,591 children last year, many by the dedicated Children's team, who enable them to come to terms with their experiences. They also give them the opportunity to think about how to keep themselves safe, express how they feel and to have a voice, without living in fear.

Can you imagine what it's like for children to live in a home, where they don't have any choice or have the power to leave? They are unable to make those life-changing decisions, they may be afraid to go home or to go to bed at night, living in fear that they, or a member of their family, may get seriously hurt or even killed.

This year Leeway's Annual Conference, on July 14, will focus on the impact of domestic abuse on children. The opportunity to talk about such an important issue is crucial; we look forward to welcoming some excellent guest speakers, to raise awareness of the issues for professionals working with victims.

We hope to drive home the impact that Domestic Abuse has on children and young people and how important it is that they are able to have a voice and support.

Funding for Domestic Abuse services, have been highlighted as a massive issue in a recent survey released by Women's Aid – the national federation of Domestic Abuse organisations. Without funding for specialist services such as Leeway, support could not be offered.

Around two thirds of these women will have children or young people in their care. Not only does this put women at risk, it puts the children at risk too.

An article in The Guardian stated that 130,000 children live in homes where there is 'significant and imminent risk of serious harm or death' in the UK, which comes as a massive concern.

In some cases, mothers may be reluctant to leave an abusive relationship to protect their children, or possibly stay so they do not disrupt their lives and take them away from their extended family.

In this day and age many families may have children from both parents, from previous relationships and they may have to face issues on whether to leave step siblings behind, when making that final decision to leave.

Leeway can continue to provide a children's service through funding this year, but there will be many charities across the UK that haven't been so lucky.

The hard-hitting reality is that not receiving funding for working with children experiencing domestic abuse could mean a lack of specialist Domestic Abuse services across the country and this, ultimately, could cost lives.

I feel it is so important that independent specialist support is available to those children, who need it, that they know they can trust they will be listened to and these children have the right to be given a voice.