It has been announced by the Government that victims of domestic abuse will get greater protection due to an “overhaul of how the family courts deal with the horrific crime“.
- Victims being able to use separate Courtroom entrances and waiting rooms, and also the introduction of protective screens which will shield the victim from their alleged abuser.
- Judges will be able to issue Court orders which stops abusers from repeatedly taking their victims back to the Courtroom and continuing the abuse which they have been subjected to.
- A further review into the presumption of “parental involvement” and an assessment between the risk of harm to children and domestic abuse victims, and the legal rights of both parents to have contact with their child.
- A trial of a new Integrated Domestic Abuse Court, whereby a Judge examines the evidence, instead of parties presenting their separates cases against one another.
- Providing professionals in the family justice system with improved training.
Expert-led review of the Family Courts’ dealing with domestic abuse
The reforms are being introduced after a report was undertaken into how the Courts deal with domestic violence and other offences. The report, which was carried out by an expert panel of representatives (charities, the judiciary, family law practitioners and academia), surveyed over 1,200 individuals and organisations and found that a number of victims and children were being put at unnecessary risk.
In more detail, the report found a confrontational, “pro-contact culture” existed in the Family Courts’ system which typically worsened conflict between parties, resulting in “systemic minimisation of allegations of domestic abuse”. This also re-traumatised victims of domestic abuse and their children.
The report also looked at the potential long-term damage to children who continue to have contact with an abusive parent as a consequence of a Court order.
Alex Chalk, Justice Minister, commented:
“Every day the family courts see some of the most vulnerable in society and we have a duty to ensure they are protected and not put in danger.
“This report lays bare many hard truths about long-standing failings, but we are determined to drive the fundamental change necessary to keep victims and their children safe.
“But this is not all we’re doing. Our landmark Domestic Abuse Bill will transform society’s response to this destructive crime – protecting victims and pursuing perpetrators more than ever before.”
As mentioned above, these reforms follow on from the Domestic Abuse Bill, which is currently at the report stage in the House of Commons.
How Nelsons can help
Melanie Bridgen is a Partner in our expert Family Law team.
At Nelsons, our team understand how distressing abuse is and handle all cases with sensitivity and professionalism with the aim of protecting a victim from further abuse.
If you need any help regarding domestic violence or any other family law matter, please contact Melanie or another member of our team on 0800 024 1976 or via our online enquiry form.