This article published by the Guardian on 4 January 2017 explores an interesting and overdue potential development in the family court system. Liz Truss, the Justice Secretary, has set up a review of how to curb and potentially ban alleged perpetrators of domestic abuse from cross examining their victims in person. The current system allows an alleged abuser, who is unrepresented and therefore acting in person, to directly question the abused during the fact-finding hearing.
The process of being interrogated by your abuser is, arguably, tantamount to being subjected to further emotional abuse. A ban would also bring civil law in line with criminal law which already prevents a Defendant from cross-examining the victim in similar cases.
Goodman Ray’s family lawyers are experienced in representing clients where the issues above arise in cases of domestic violence. If you have a similar issue and require the assistance of our legal team, please contact us on 020 7608 1227.
Anne Bazeos (Solicitor)
