The House of Commons Library has published a research briefing on how the family courts in England and Wales address issues of domestic abuse in child arrangements cases. The briefing provides an overview of: determining child arrangements when domestic abuse is an issue; parental alienation; and government reforms in response to the Harm Panel’s report in 2020. The reforms include the use of ‘barring orders’ under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, a reformed approach to child arrangements proceedings through the pathfinder pilot, and plans to repeal the presumption of parental involvement.
Read the report: Child arrangements: the family court and domestic abuse (England and Wales)
Source: House of Commons Library
Date published: 26 February 2026
