Family Court Cases and Domestic Abuse
A new report reveals that domestic abuse is a common issue in Family Court cases, yet the system is not responding adequately.
Research led by Loughborough University academics found that a pro-contact culture and dismissive attitudes towards victim-survivors are contributing to decisions that may put children's safety at risk.
- The study reviewed nearly 300 child arrangement case files.
- Live observations of nearly 100 case hearings were conducted.
- Focus groups with domestic abuse survivors and interviews with judges, magistrates, and Cafcass/Cafcass Cymru officers were held.
The Domestic Abuse Commissioner found evidence of abuse within 73% of hearings it observed and in 87% of the case files it reviewed.
This research provides unprecedented insight into the family justice system, highlighting the need for improvement.
Author's summary: Report highlights domestic abuse in Family Court cases.