We welcome the Government’s decision to repeal the presumption of parental involvement in the Children Act 1989, a long-overdue move that puts the safety of children and survivors of domestic abuse first.

For too long, survivors have been forced to choose between protecting their children and complying with court orders that expose them to further harm. This has caused deep trauma and shattered trust in the justice system.

We thank the survivors and campaigners whose tireless work and persistence has bought about this reform.

It must now mark the beginning of a wider cultural shift. The ‘contact at all costs’ approach has failed too many families. Survivors deserve a justice system that listens, understands the realities of abuse, and acts to prevent further harm. We support calls across the sector for this change to be embedded in practice, through specialist training, trauma-informed decision-making, and a renewed commitment to safeguarding.

Every child deserves to be safe. Every survivor deserves to be believed. And every court decision must reflect that.