Autonomous Women's Center: Amendments to the Family Law Threaten the Safety of Children and Victims
The Autonomous Women's Center today reiterated its appeal to the Working Group to reconsider certain provisions of the amendments to the Family Law, which could have serious consequences for the safety of children and victims of domestic violence.
TL;DR
- Autonomous Women's Center appeals to the Working Group to reconsider certain amendments to the Family Law.
- Concerns are raised about potential serious consequences for the safety of children and victims of domestic violence.
- The Center demands that child and victim safety be an absolute priority in the Family Law, along with consistent recognition of all forms of violence.
- Positive change noted: children witnessing domestic violence are now recognized as victims.
- Negative aspect: a provision that preventing contact with parents will be considered domestic violence could endanger children if the other parent poses a risk.
- The Center argues that not all prevention of contact should be considered domestic violence, especially when a child's safety during visitation is seriously doubted.
- Mandatory psychosocial treatment or addiction treatment orders are useful but cannot be considered a measure of protection from domestic violence.
- It must be stipulated that perpetrators can be ordered into treatment only with prior or simultaneous protective measures for victims, not instead of them.