PARLIAMENTARY EARLY DAY MOTION
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (6 July 1998)

That this House is concerned that many women and children fleeing domestic violence are being placed at further risk because violent men can obtain contact orders in family proceedings under the Children Act 1989; notes the strong links between child abuse and domestic violence and the problems relating to child contact, which are identified in Making an Impact, the new training pack commissioned by the Department of Health; recognises that even 'supervised' contact with a violent parent can put the child and the non-abusing parent at risk; strongly endorses the legal measures introduced in Northern Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the USA to make contact and residence arrangements safe; and calls upon Her Majesty's Government to recognise the urgent need to amend the Children Act 1989 to ensure the safety and well-being of the child and the non-abusing parent in private family proceedings.

Sponsored by:
Claire Ward (Labour)