Innovative approaches to addressing domestic abuse in family courts

This chapter outlines and evaluates various innovative approaches that have been taken or proposed internationally to the issue of domestic abuse in family proceedings. These innovations have included doctrinal reforms (e.g. a presumption against contact where domestic abuse is established) but have mainly consisted of procedural approaches, including integrated domestic abuse courts, specialist support services attached to family courts, and comprehensive procedural reforms with the needs of domestic abuse cases at the centre. The chapter will consider the extent to which these innovations have, or have the potential to, improve the safety of children and non-abusive parents and meet challenges such as limited resourcing and entrenched pro-contact cultures.