Specialist support vital for domestic abuse victims- Norfolk charity
It's after research found the justice system didn't always consider domestic abuse to be an issue when it comes to parental control
A local charity tells us it's vital that specialist support for families affected by domestic abuse is readily available.
It follows calls for children to be better protected- through the courts- from parents with a history of causing physical harm.
"It's really important that we listen to all the voices of survivors"
Rhys Lloyd is from Leeway:
"Perpetrators have often used this as an avenue to continue to exert their power and their campaign of abuse.
"I think it's really important that we listen to all the voices of survivors and young people. They are so often the hidden victims in all this and don't have a voice".
The work in more detail:
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner found evidence of abuse within 73% of hearings it observed and in 87% of the case files it reviewed.
Despite this, domestic abuse was frequently not recognised as an ‘active issue’ or taken seriously with regards to the type of contact children would go on to have with the abusive parent.
In more than half of the cases reviewed by the Commissioner, unsupervised overnight contact was ordered.
Survivors repeatedly described how they were dissuaded from raising allegations of domestic abuse due to the suggestion that it would have ‘no impact’ on whether the abusive parent would be granted contact.
Others said they felt pressured into accepting potentially unsafe child arrangement orders out of fear that if they contested, an even worse outcome would be granted.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner also found evidence of survivors being forced to navigate the complex system without representation.
Though legal aid is available for cases involving domestic abuse, survivors are often prevented from accessing this support due to the evidence required to prove they are at serious risk, and the legal aid means test.
Survivors who litigated in person shared how they struggled to put together a case and provide the right evidence, with one survivor describing how she was ‘like a rabbit in headlights’ and that she ‘said nothing for the first two and half years.’
Others referenced not knowing which forms they needed to complete or how to fill them in correctly, which meant they struggled to get their concerns about domestic abuse onto the court’s agenda.
The report highlights how outdated views on domestic abuse amongst some legal professionals saw physical violence taken more seriously, while coercive and controlling behaviour – which often underpins physical abuse and is an offence in itself – was frequently dismissed.
This antiquated thinking, coupled with a severe lack of resource and siloed working has left many survivors feeling unheard, unsupported, and unprotected.
While the report exposes significant shortcomings in the Family Court’s handling of domestic abuse, it also spotlights how some judges, magistrates, solicitors, domestic abuse services and Cafcass staff are working tirelessly under heavy workloads to shield survivors from further harm.
This includes ensuring trauma-informed approaches are being integrated into proceedings such as implementing protective screens to shield survivors from their abuser and limiting access to information that could be used by the perpetrator.
Despite these positive steps, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner is concerned that the level of reform promised in the wake of the Harm Panel report – which highlighted deep-rooted issues within the Family Court in responding to domestic abuse and other serious offences – remains largely unfulfilled.
With the UK government having set an ambitious target to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) within a decade, the Commissioner is warning that urgent reform will be essential if the family justice system is to play its part in safeguarding victims and supporting the government to achieve this priority. She is urging ministers to publish the upcoming VAWG strategy so that this vital work can begin.
"It’s clear that domestic abuse can no longer be considered a side issue"
Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “For too long now the Family Court has failed to adequately rise to the challenge of recognising domestic abuse within its proceedings and take sufficient steps to address the serious impact this is having on adult and child victims.
“No child should be forced to spend time with an abusive parent or caregiver if the circumstances aren’t safe for them to do so. But time and time again we see how the pro-contact culture and antiquated views on domestic abuse are contributing to decisions that put children in harm's way. This must stop.
“It’s clear that domestic abuse can no longer be considered a side issue within the family justice system but instead its everyday business that demands a rigorous response.
“To better protect survivors and deliver the reform promised, ministers must commit to a fully funded national roll out of Pathfinder Courts and the removal of the presumption of parental contact to ensure decisions are taken in the best interest of children.
“The government must also provide the necessary investment to extend the pilot study conducted by my office, to allow for rigorous oversight on the changes being made and ensure accountability from within the Family Court. Tinkering around the edges will no longer suffice.”
What's the Government said on this?
Justice minister Alison Levitt KC said: “The horrors that domestic abuse can bring on children are unspeakable, scarring them for life, and as a government we want to do everything in our power to stop this epidemic.
“That’s why we’re improving family courts by helping families get the support they need faster, with our reformed model reducing case times by 11 weeks on average, and ensuring children’s voices are heard.
“This is about protecting children, standing up for victims, and making sure justice works for all those who need it.”
Links to support:
Leeway refuge services
0300 561 0077
Orwell refuge services (Haven Project)
0845 467 4876
NIDAS - Norfolk Integrated Domestic Abuse Services (medium and high risk support)
0300 561 0555
Text: 07860 063 464
Out of hours: 0808 2000 247
Norfolk and Suffolk Victim Care
0300 303 3706
National Helpline: 0808 1689 111 (24 hours)
Pandora Project (standard risk support North and West Norfolk)
Email: info@pandoraproject.org.uk