Safety from Domestic Abuse and Special Measures in Remote and Hybrid Hearings - guidance published

The President of the Family Division, Sir Andrew McFarlane, has today published the Safety from Domestic Abuse and Special Measures in Remote and Hybrid Hearings guidance. It can be read below.

Sir Andrew said: “I am pleased to be publishing this important guidance on the need to protect victims of Domestic Abuse in Remote and Hybrid Hearings.

“The guidance applies to all family proceedings where domestic abuse has been proved or may be an issue and it has been drafted to ensure the delivery of safe evidence and full participation of vulnerable parties.  The guidance provides an important checklist that should be used to decide upon the format of the hearing, including identifying any need for appropriate personal protection or additional special measures.

“The guidance is for all those involved in family proceedings including court staff, the judiciary, lawyers, and domestic abuse organisations.  I am grateful to the Domestic Abuse Working Group of the Family Justice Council for its work in producing the guidance which I believe will be an important resource for the work of the Family Court.”