Children are at risk of harm as cases of domestic abuse rise during the COVID-19 outbreak.
UK domestic abuse charity, Refuge, reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline during the crisis.
The protection and care of children remains as important as ever during these times. Especially in cases where parents are divorcing or separating, and childcare arrangements are being made.
Where domestic abuse is a feature of a parental relationship, often one of those parents will have to make an application to the court about the care of the children. The court will then investigate and decide whether each parent spending time with the children can be managed safely.
Children who grow up and witness domestic abuse or violence are more likely to be victims themselves and grow up in fear. This is a serious matter considered by the courts when it comes to childcare arrangements and can lead to a ‘fact finding hearing’ where a Judge, after hearing evidence from both parents, makes a decision about whether or not certain events, or facts, happened.
Usually, although not always, the events in question are harm to the child by one or both parents or domestic abuse or coercive control by one parent against the other. The Judge will try to work out what has gone on in the past. That way the risk of future harm to the child or parent can be more thoroughly assessed.
If you are a parent trying to see your child and you have findings made against you by a Judge, the consequences to your future relationship with your child can be really serious.
Alternatively, if you are a parent who believes the other parent has harmed your child in the past, and you do not raise this properly within a court case, you risk more harm to your child in the future.
The COVID-19 outbreak has been a huge disruption to everybody’s lives. We’d like to reassure people who are in the midst of separating or divorcing and receiving help regarding the care of their children, that we are here to assist you with your legal problems.
For any legal advice, you can contact us by calling 0117 214 1797 or emailing office@childreninthemiddle.co.uk.