« For the sake of the children : the law, domestic violence and children contact in England »
This article draws upon findings from a qualitative research study of the arrangements made for children to have contact with the nonresident parent following separations that resulted from domestic violence to women. In this article, we review recent development in the law’s response to domestic violence in England, showing how the riminal law ant the family law, particularly in relation to children, have been at oods with one another. Within the criminal law efforts have been made to tackle the probleme of "no-criming" and to afford victims better protection. Within the family law, procedural and substantive changes have made it harder for women and children to break free from violent men. A contact presumption and focus upon agreements made "for the sake of the children" through mediation/conciliation compound the battery of women and childen by the law ans expose them to intolerable risks. In the article we critically review rhe value of contact with fathers for children who have lived through domestic violence and briefly consider efforts made to enhance the safety of women and the welfare of children in othe juridictions.
