Written question asked by Lord Beecham (Labour) on Monday, 4 June 2018, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 June 2018. It was answered by Lord Keen of Elie (Conservative) on Tuesday, 19 June 2018 on behalf of the Ministry of Justice.

Family Courts: Domestic Abuse

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government when they intend to introduce legislation to ban the practice of alleged domestic abusers cross-examining their alleged victims in the family courts.

Answer

We remain fully committed to addressing the issue of abusers directly cross-examining their victims in family proceedings. We want to legislate to give family courts the power to stop this as soon as possible and are considering how best to proceed.

Family judges already have a range of powers they can use to make sure difficult courtroom situations are handled sensitively for vulnerable witnesses, such as putting questions to the witness from the bench.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL8245
Session: 2017-19
Subjects: Domestic abuse Intimidation Family courts Victims
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Family Courts: Domestic Abuse

Secondary information

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