Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Domestic Violence Victims

Tuesday 29 June 2021 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Robert Halfon asked about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of domestic violence.
  • The Minister mentioned working across Government to transform the response to domestic violence, including passing the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and providing unprecedented funding.
  • The pro-contact nature of family court decisions has been reviewed due to concerns about exposing parents and children to greater risk.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Robert Halfon Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Children & Families
Context

Discussions on supporting victims of domestic violence have been ongoing, with concerns raised about the impact of family court decisions.

Question

What recent discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on supporting victims of domestic violence. The questioner notes a constituent's experience in the family court system and criticises the pro-contact nature of these courts, arguing that such decisions have led to unsafe child arrangements for victims like Ms Charlotte Budd.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

We are working across Government to transform the response to domestic violence, including passing the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 and providing unprecedented funding. The pro-contact nature of family court decisions has been a cause for concern, and we are currently reviewing this provision.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request not confirmed beyond willingness to discuss further

How: Under Review

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Q2 Robert Halfon Con
Crime & Law Enforcement Children & Families
Context

A constituent, Ms Charlotte Budd, has criticised the family court system for decisions that resulted in unsafe child arrangements due to a presumption of contact. This raises concerns about the impact on victims of domestic violence.

Question

The MP refers to his constituent, Ms Charlotte Budd, who is a survivor of domestic abuse but faced further suffering from her experience in the family court system. She criticises the pro-contact nature of the family court and its potential for causing harm to victims like herself. The questioner seeks details on steps taken by the Department to address this issue.

Answer from Kit Malthouse

The pro-contact nature of family court decisions has been reviewed, and concerns have been raised about exposing parents and children to greater risk. The MP's constituent case will be discussed further, and the review process will continue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting request not confirmed beyond willingness to discuss further

How: Under Review

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