Decrease in most family justice activity but domestic abuse applications rise during lockdown
There has been a significant decrease in most types of family justice between April and June as a result of measures adopted by the courts regarding COVID-19.
The Family Court Quarterly Statistics also revealed that the time for a care or supervision case to reach first disposal was 36 weeks, despite the 26 weeks target.
There [...]
More than 400,000 children live in 'toxic trio' households
More than 400,000 children live in 'toxic trio' households: read the full story below
There are 420,000 children in England living in a household with an adult experiencing all three ‘toxic trio’ issues - domestic abuse, parental substance misuse and mental ill health to a moderate/severe extent, analysis has found.
Research carried out for the Office of [...]
Survivors of domestic violence and their children forced to sleep rough
Sixty five women and their children were forced to sofa surf last year after fleeing domestic violence due to a lack of support, Women’s Aid has warned.
Over one in ten women supported by The No Woman Turned Away project were forced to sleep rough during their search for a refuge, of which three women [...]
Courts issued with new sentencing guidance on domestic violence crimes
Courts have been issued with guidance on domestic violence sentencing emphasising the severity of offences.
The guideline identifies the principles relevant to the sentencing of cases involving domestic abuse, outlines how the seriousness of offences should be assessed and highlights other factors that should be taken into account.
Sentencing Council member Jill Gramann said: “Domestic abuse [...]
LGA calls for investment in domestic violence services
The government has been urged to increase the number of Independent Domestic Violence Advisors in hospital settings to support victims of domestic violence to get the help they need.
The Local Government Association says more practitioners are needed in hospital settings to identify victims of domestic violence and get them the help and support they need. [...]
Supported housing plan puts victims of domestic violence at risk
The lives of victims of domestic violence and their children could be put at risk. This is a result of the government’s plan for supported housing, Women’s Aid has warned.
Over half of refuges for victims of domestic abuse said they would be forced to close or reduce the services they offer if the government presses [...]
