Written question asked by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 8 December 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 8 December 2003 on behalf of the Department for Education and Skills.

Dept for Education and Skills

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, how many cases involving disputes over contact with children for non-resident parents involved accusations of sexual abuse in the last year for which figures are available. - Inc figures.

Answer: Tim Loughton: To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how many cases involving disputes over contact with children for non-resident parents involved accusations of sexual abuse in the last year for which figures are available. [141064] Margaret Hodge: Data about the factors underpinning contact applications, such as allegations about injuries caused to children during previous contact with an allegedly violent parent, are not collected, either by the courts or centrally. In recent research commissioned by the Department for Constitutional Affairs in three County Courts from year 2000 files, there were indications that in 22 per cent. of the cases reviewed, physical or emotional abuse towards a family member was indicated. A more specific reference to child sexual abuse appeared in 6 per cent. of cases, though there may be overlap between the two categories.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 141064; 415 c287W
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Children Abuse Contact orders Parents Offences against children Sexual offences
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk