I can’t tell you how happy I was to read this!
The Government have launched a new pilot scheme in Wrexham and Dorset to improve the response to domestic abuse survivors going through the Family Court system. https://www.wrexham.com/news/wrexham-to-be-part-of-new-family-court-pilot-to-stop-victims-and-their-children-feeling-re-traumatised-by-process-216495.html
The pilot scheme will seek to improve information sharing between social care, statutory agencies, police and courts to show the full history and background to each case. Information can be shared which traditionally is not part of civil law proceedings and will endeavour to better protect both adult and child victims of domestic abuse.
This pilot will try to ensure any investigation of domestic abuse and information needed will be gathered prior to any court hearing and importantly, will check back with families after any Order is granted to check it is working.
The changes to the Family Court process come after the Harm Report was published in 2020 : https://consult.justice.gov.uk/digital-communications/assessing-harm-private-family-law-proceedings/
Voice of the Child
The pilot also aims to ensure the voice of the child is heard. With children now being classified as victims in their own right when experiencing domestic abuse , through the new Domestic Abuse Act 2021:https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2021/17/contents/enacted it has become clear, much more needs to be done to support and protect children and to ensure that any contact is very carefully considered, not just presumed best for them.
Much more needs to be done, but it is a start and I hope that more Courts are able to follow these improvements before the end of the 2 year pilot.
If you need support through the Family Court process, I am here for you. Get in touch to find out how I can help.
