Today, 22 October 2025, the UK Government has announced its intention to repeal the presumption of parental involvement from the Children Act 1989.
For many years, the Domestic Abuse Commissioner, the domestic abuse sector and campaigners have spoken out about the risks with presumption of parental involvement, which has contributed to a pro-contact culture and enabled domestic abuse perpetrators to inflict further harm through unsafe contact orders and have called for its repeal.
Last week, the Commissioner published her latest report on the Family Court which confirmed that domestic abuse is ‘everyday business’ within the family justice system and highlighted how the pro-contact culture was leading to decisions that put children at serious risk of harm.
This announcement means judges will no longer need to work from a ‘starting point’ that parental involvement is in the child’s best interest. Instead, they will be directed to properly assess and consider the child’s wellbeing on a case-by-case basis and by prioritising this evidence, make safer decisions.
Responding to the announcement Domestic Abuse Commissioner, Dame Nicole Jacobs, said: “This is a pivotal moment that will improve how domestic abuse is responded to within the Family Court and ensure children are properly heard, protected and supported.
“Every day I hear from survivors who have been failed by the family justice system – where many have been forced to watch as their children are silenced and decisions are taken that directly put them in harm’s way. This announcement – which stems from the tireless campaigning by Claire Throssell and the wider domestic abuse sector – will ensure that the courts place the safety and wellbeing of children above all else.
“I commend the UK Government for listening to victims and acting to address their concerns. For too long, the presumption of parental involvement has distracted from the need to respond to domestic abuse and when vulnerable children are involved, there is no place for blanket approaches. It is now over to ministers, who I look forward to working with, to ensure this critical change is enacted as soon as possible.”