Bridget Phillipson – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Ministry of Justice

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Bridget Phillipson on 2016-05-19.

To ask the Secretary of State for Justice, what assessment he has made of the effect of the cross-examination of survivors of domestic abuse by their abusers on the ability of such survivors to provide their best evidence in family court proceedings.

Caroline Dinenage

The family courts take the issue of domestic violence extremely seriously. The Child Arrangement Programme and Practice Direction 12J sets out a strong and clear framework for judges to apply to the management of difficult court room situations, to ensure they are handled sensitively for alleged victims of domestic violence and other vulnerable witnesses. All judges receive specific training on this framework and they can intervene to prevent inappropriate questions or have questions relayed. Practical protections, for example, protective screens, video links, separate waiting rooms and separate entrances are available where appropriate.