Landmark Decision: Government to End Presumption of Parental Involvement in Family Courts

We wholeheartedly welcome this momentous decision by the Ministry of Justice to remove the rule that assumes it’s always best for children to have contact with both parents.

From our work supporting women living with the impact of domestic abuse, we know that the previous ‘pro-contact culture’ within the family courts has caused real and lasting harm - often minimising or ignoring serious concerns about domestic abuse and placing women and children at further risk.

We echo the tributes paid to the extraordinary courage of Claire Throssell MBE, who has campaigned for this change following the murder of her sons, Jack and Paul. Her strength and determination, as well as all survivors who have spoken out, have made this moment possible.

This decision is a vital step towards ensuring that children’s safety and wellbeing are prioritised, but it must be followed by further reform. We urge the government to build on today’s decision by implementing the recommendations of the 2020 Harm Panel report to ensure that courts, judges and professionals receive the specialist training needed to further protect women and children from abuse.

We stand in solidarity with Women’s Aid and all those who have worked towards this change, and we remain deeply committed to ensuring that women and children’s voices are heard and their rights protected.

Women living with the impact of domestic abuse can reach out to us for specialist support by calling our Helpline on 01208 77099 Monday to Friday 10am - 1pm & Monday evening 6pm - 9pm - or join our Campfire community forum by downloading the app ‘Campfire Forum’.

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