To ask the Minister of Justice (i) whether she has any plans to allow the presence of journalists in family courts proceedings, with strict reporting rules, in order to aid transparency; and (ii) for her assessment of the complaints made by victims of domestic abuse in relation to the family court process.

(i) Following concerns raised by victims of domestic abuse, amongst others, my Department has already commenced policy scoping work to consider how the openness of family courts could be increased, whilst continuing to protect the privacy of the families and children involved. Subject to the outcome of that work, any legislative change to enable greater media access and reporting would be for the longer term.

(ii) The decisions reached by courts in individual cases are matters for the independent judiciary. Generally, however, I note that, in relation to proceedings concerning arrangements for children, the legislative framework already makes the welfare of the child the court’s paramount consideration. Further, where a party applying for a residence or contact order has a conviction for a domestic abuse related offence involving the child, or is subject to a non-molestation order, a court is required to have regard to this. Looking ahead, I will be giving careful consideration to responses from victims of domestic abuse to current and planned Departmental consultations touching on family proceedings. I will also consider, in due course, the findings of the research on children’s experiences of family proceedings to be carried out for the Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime. I remain committed, so far as is within my remit, to supporting victims of domestic abuse involved in family proceedings.