L. Radford et al., FOR THE SAKE OF THE CHILDREN - THE LAW, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND CHILD CONTACT IN ENGLAND, Women's studies international forum, 20(4), 1997, pp. 471-482
This article draws upon findings from a qualitative research study of
the arrangements made for children to have contact with the nonresiden
t parent following separations that resulted from domestic violence to
women. In the article, we review recent developments in the law's res
ponse to domestic violence in England, showing how the criminal law an
d the family law particularly in relation to children, have been at od
ds with one another. Within the criminal law efforts have been made to
tackle the problem of ''no-criming'' and to afford victims better pro
tection. Within the family law, procedural and substantive changes hav
e made it harder for women and children to break free from violent men
. A contact presumption and focus upon agreements made ''for the sake
of the children'' through mediation/conciliation compound the battery
of women and children by the law and expose them to intolerable risks.
In the article we critically review the value of contact with fathers
for children who have lived through domestic violence and briefly con
sider efforts made to enhance the safety of women and the welfare of c
hildren in other jurisdictions. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd.