By Ashley Young-
The Ministry Of Justice is to closely examine the mechanisms employed by the family courts in protecting children in response to complaints of potential harm in domestic abuse cases.
The MoJ is to undertake a three-month exercise to ensure the family court serves the best interests of the child, taking into account their overall well being. A panel of experts including senior members of the judiciary, academics and charities will oversee the exercise. Children under child protection have complex problems of different kinds, with court cases relating to domestic abuse in many cases capable of exposing them to more psychological problems which could be demoralise them.
As a result, the review is aimed at addressing concerns raised about the family court’s response to potential harm to children and victims. The culprits of domestic abuse have been known in many cases to use the court system to re-traumatise their alleged victims.
Justice minister Paul Maynard said: ’Some of the most vulnerable in our society come before the family courts, and I am absolutely determined that we offer them every protection.
‘This review will help us better understand victims’ experiences of the system, and make sure the family court is never used to coerce or re-traumatise those who have been abused. Its findings will be used to inform next steps so we can build on the raft of measures we have already introduced to protect victims of domestic abuse.’
Practice directions will look at the court’s application of ‘barring’ orders, and gather evidence on the impact on the child where a domestic abuser contact is sought by someone alleged to have, or who has, committed domestic abuse or other relevant offences.
Recent developments by the Ministry Of Justice will build on its draft domestic abuse bill, banning the direct cross-examination of domestic violence victims by their alleged abusive ex-partners in court. Organisations are also being given £900,000 to fund specially trained staff who will offer emotional and practical support to domestic abuse victims before, during and after family court hearings.