Domestic Abuse Children Cases
Dealing with allegations of abuse in children cases
This article was contributed by Naomi Wiseman
This article deals specifically with the issue of domestic abuse which risks harm to children. If you have suffered or are at risk of suffering abuse please seek help.
If you have suffered domestic abuse you may be advised to go to court for a non-molestation and/or occupation order. These types of court applications do not deal with your children’s relationship with their other parent.
If you think your children are at risk of harm from their other parent you may not want them to see that parent. You may be scared that the other parent is going to try to take your children away. Take sensible steps and decisions to keep your children safe. However, if you stop your children from seeing the other parent because they are abusive, then that parent may make an application to court for an order from a judge that the children should see them.
Whenever the court deals with questions about children's lives, the children's welfare is always the central concern. The court applies the welfare checklist and that checklist includes any harm the children have suffered or are at risk of suffering.
How do you tell the court about domestic abuse?
If you or your children are at risk of harm do not delay in seeking help, including from the police if need be. Our toolkit contains links that may be useful.