CYP Now - We must listen to children affected by domestic abuse

Did you enjoy the festive break? Some families will still be reeling from the effects - especially those living with domestic abuse. We know there is a seasonal spike in the reported incidents of domestic abuse over the holiday period and I do not expect this year to have been any different. And where there is domestic abuse in families, the impact on children and young people can be especially distressing.

The effects of the trauma can continue even after the alleged abuser has moved out of the family home. This raises the vexed issue of contact between the children and the absent parent.

Most often the absent parent is male and the allegation of abuse is one of violence.

Many professionals I meet are concerned about what constitutes "safe contact" in these instances. The festive season will have ratcheted up anxiety levels as parents crave contact with their children, especially those who are separated and where domestic abuse is an issue.

Last year, I published research examining the processes whereby courts decide on the level and nature of contact children should have with the absent parent in situations of domestic abuse. One of the main conclusions was that there is no legal presumption for contact between a child and a parent when determining a child's welfare. The courts decide every case on the facts and circumstances presented. The circumstances include a wide range of factors, including what are the views of the child.

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