Yesterday (Wednesday 2nd October 2019), the Domestic Abuse Bill passed its Second Reading in the House of Commons with the support of Erewash MP Maggie Throup, who is campaigning to strengthen the law around the parental responsibility of victims of domestic abuse.
There currently exists a gap in the law meaning that, often, parental responsibility can override a restraining order granted by a Court, in particular where a partner has been convicted of domestic abuse related offence such as coercive behaviour.
Maggie believes this landmark piece of Government legislation presents the ideal opportunity to right this unacceptable wrong and has therefore written to the Justice Secretary to ask him to address this legal loophole when the Bill goes into Committee.
Speaking about the Bill, Maggie said:
“As a constituency MP, one of the most important tasks I undertake is in assisting victims of domestic abuse.
“I am therefore delighted that the Government is bringing forward this vital piece of legislation to strengthen the laws around domestic abuse and the support in place for those who have suffered either physically or psychologically at the hands of an abusive partner.
“In particular, I believe we need to use this Bill to ensure that restraining orders cannot be overridden by parental responsibility and I have therefore written to the Justice Secretary to ask him to take action on this issue.
“Victims of domestic abuse should know that as their Member of Parliament, I am on their side and I stand ready to help them in any way I can to get their lives back on track.”