The political landscape surrounding victim support and safeguarding in the UK has undergone a significant shift with the recent resignation of Alex Davis-Jones as Minister for Safeguarding and the subsequent appointment of Catherine Atkinson MP as Victims’ Minister and Natalie Fleet MP as the new Minister for Safeguarding. This transition, announced amidst wider governmental changes, has been met with a blend of gratitude for past efforts and heightened expectations for future reforms, particularly concerning the safety of children and survivors within the family court system. Women’s Aid, a leading national charity dedicated to ending domestic abuse, has promptly responded to these developments, acknowledging the impactful work of the outgoing minister while outlining critical priorities for the newly appointed officials.
Acknowledging a Tenure of Impact: Alex Davis-Jones’ Contribution
The departure of Alex Davis-Jones from her role as Minister for Safeguarding marks the conclusion of a period characterised by notable legislative advancement in the realm of victim protection. While the specific circumstances surrounding her resignation are part of broader governmental dynamics, her tenure is widely recognised for its focus on addressing systemic issues that have historically disadvantaged survivors of domestic abuse, particularly within the judicial framework. Farah Nazeer, Chief Executive of Women’s Aid, conveyed the organisation’s appreciation, stating, "we would like to offer our thanks to her for all her work while in the role of Minister for Safeguarding, which has made such a difference to survivors across the country."
Central to Davis-Jones’s legacy is her instrumental leadership in steering the Victims and Courts Act through Parliament. This landmark legislation, which received Royal Assent on 26 October 2023, represents a pivotal moment for domestic abuse survivors seeking justice and safety. Its provisions were meticulously designed to introduce "significant change" to the family courts, a system that, as highlighted by Women’s Aid, "has, for too long, prioritised the ‘rights’ of abusers over the needs and safety of children." The Act sought to rebalance this dynamic, placing the welfare and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children, at the forefront of judicial considerations. This shift reflects years of advocacy from organisations like Women’s Aid, which have consistently called for a fundamental re-evaluation of how domestic abuse is handled within family court proceedings, particularly concerning child contact orders.
The Victims and Courts Act: A New Era for Family Court Safety
The Victims and Courts Act 2023 is a comprehensive piece of legislation with wide-ranging implications for the justice system, but its impact on family courts is particularly transformative. At its core, the Act aims to improve the experience of victims and witnesses throughout the criminal and civil justice processes. For family courts, a key area of focus has been the contentious issue of parental contact in cases involving domestic abuse. Prior to this Act, a prevailing "presumption of parental contact" often guided judicial decisions, implying that direct contact with both parents was generally in a child’s best interest, even in circumstances where one parent had a history of domestic abuse.
This presumption, while ostensibly aimed at fostering family relationships, frequently led to harrowing experiences for survivors and their children. Research by organisations such as Women’s Aid and others has consistently documented instances where victims were compelled to share parental responsibility or facilitate contact with abusive ex-partners, often leading to continued control, harassment, and re-traumatisation. A 2020 report by Women’s Aid, "Child First: A Report on Abusive Ex-Partners in the Family Courts," found that in 62% of cases, mothers reported their children were suffering harm due to contact with an abusive father, yet contact was still ordered. This demonstrated a critical disconnect between legal presumption and lived reality, jeopardising the safety and well-being of countless children.
The Victims and Courts Act directly addresses this by making provisions for the repeal of the presumption of parental contact where domestic abuse is proven. This legislative amendment is not merely procedural; it signifies a profound philosophical shift, explicitly prioritising child safety and protection over an unqualified right to contact for abusive parents. As Women’s Aid unequivocally states, this repeal is "vital for child safety." It empowers judges to make decisions based on the specific risks posed by an abusive parent, rather than being bound by a general presumption. The Act also introduces measures to enhance the protection of victims and witnesses in court, including the greater use of special measures in family courts, such as separate entrances, screens, and remote links, to minimise direct contact between victims and their abusers. These changes aim to create a safer environment for survivors to participate in legal proceedings without fear of intimidation or further harm.
New Ministerial Appointments: Catherine Atkinson MP and Natalie Fleet MP
The incoming ministerial team faces the significant task of building on these legislative foundations and ensuring their effective implementation. Catherine Atkinson MP has been appointed as the Victims’ Minister, a role that places her at the heart of policy development for all victims of crime. Atkinson, a Labour MP for Derby North since 2017, has a background in law and has previously served in various shadow ministerial roles, including Shadow Solicitor General. Her experience in legal frameworks is seen as a valuable asset in overseeing the complex implementation of the Victims and Courts Act and other justice reforms. Women’s Aid specifically urges her, in her capacity as "new Justice Minister" (reflecting the Ministry of Justice’s oversight of victim policy), "to ensure that the important decision made to repeal the presumption of parental contact in family courts – which is vital for child safety – comes to fruition." This highlights the critical need for swift and comprehensive operationalisation of the Act’s provisions.
Joining her is Natalie Fleet MP, who assumes the vital role of Minister for Safeguarding. Fleet, the Labour MP for Ashfield since 2017, brings a unique and powerful perspective to her portfolio: her lived experience as a survivor of violence against women and girls (VAWG). Farah Nazeer emphasised this, noting that Fleet is "a tireless advocate for victims of Violence Against Women and Girls and her experience as a survivor brings an incredibly valuable perspective to the role." This personal insight is expected to inform policy decisions with a deep understanding of the challenges and realities faced by survivors, moving beyond theoretical frameworks to practical solutions. Fleet’s role will be crucial in coordinating efforts across government departments – including the Home Office, Ministry of Justice, and Department for Health and Social Care – to ensure a holistic approach to safeguarding vulnerable individuals and combating VAWG.
The Urgent Need for Resources and Robust Implementation
While legislative changes like the Victims and Courts Act are foundational, their efficacy hinges on robust implementation and adequate resourcing. Women’s Aid has articulated a clear call to action for Minister Fleet, stating, "She comes in at a time when many survivors still can’t get the help they need. We call on her to work to secure the resources and commissioning mechanisms needed to match government ambition and truly deliver on violence against women and girls." This highlights a persistent and critical challenge within the VAWG sector: the chronic underfunding of specialist support services.
For years, charities have reported a significant gap between the demand for services and the available provision. A 2022 report by Refuge, another prominent domestic abuse charity, revealed that over two-thirds of domestic abuse services were operating at a deficit, with many facing closure due to insecure, short-term funding. This lack of stable funding directly impacts survivors’ ability to access safe accommodation, counselling, legal aid, and other essential support. The government’s own Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, published in 2021, outlines ambitious goals for prevention, protection, and pursuit of perpetrators, but these ambitions risk being undermined without a commensurate investment in the infrastructure of support services.
The call for improved "commissioning mechanisms" speaks to the fragmented and often competitive nature of funding allocation. A more strategic, long-term approach to commissioning, which prioritises specialist, trauma-informed services tailored to the diverse needs of survivors, is crucial. This would ensure that funds are distributed effectively and sustainably, reaching organisations best placed to provide life-saving support. Natalie Fleet’s personal experience as a survivor is anticipated to lend significant weight to her advocacy for these vital resources, potentially fostering a more empathetic and effective dialogue with the Treasury and other relevant departments.
Anticipation for the King’s Speech: A Legislative Milestone
The timing of these ministerial appointments coincides with a significant event in the UK parliamentary calendar: the King’s Speech. Delivered annually at the State Opening of Parliament, the King’s Speech outlines the government’s legislative agenda for the forthcoming session. It serves as a crucial moment for signalling governmental priorities and confirming commitments to key reforms.
Women’s Aid explicitly referenced this, stating their hope "to hear more about in the King’s Speech today" regarding the repeal of the presumption of parental contact. An explicit mention in the King’s Speech would underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to this reform and provide a clear timeline or legislative vehicle for its full implementation. While the Victims and Courts Act has received Royal Assent, the specific commencement dates for various provisions, including the repeal of the parental contact presumption, often require secondary legislation or ministerial orders. A strong signal in the King’s Speech would provide reassurance to survivors and advocacy groups that this vital change will be enacted without delay, moving from statute book to practical reality in family courts nationwide. This would be a powerful affirmation of the government’s dedication to placing child safety at the absolute centre of family justice.
Broader Implications and the Path Forward
The changes in ministerial leadership, coupled with the provisions of the Victims and Courts Act, signify a critical juncture in the UK’s approach to domestic abuse and victim safeguarding. The long-term implications are substantial. For survivors of domestic abuse, these reforms offer the promise of a more equitable and safer experience within the family justice system, reducing the risk of re-traumatisation and ensuring that the welfare of children is paramount. For the judiciary, it necessitates a shift in practice, requiring judges to meticulously assess domestic abuse risks and to apply the new legal framework robustly. Training for legal professionals, including judges, barristers, and solicitors, will be crucial to ensure a consistent and informed application of the Act’s provisions.
However, challenges remain. The legal system is complex, and cultural shifts within institutions take time. Ensuring that the spirit of the Victims and Courts Act translates into tangible changes on the ground will require continuous monitoring, evaluation, and sustained political will. The success of Catherine Atkinson and Natalie Fleet in their new roles will be measured not just by legislative milestones, but by the tangible improvements in the lives of survivors and children. Their ability to secure adequate resources, foster cross-departmental collaboration, and champion the voices of victims will be paramount.
Organisations across the sector, from children’s charities to legal aid providers, will be closely observing the new ministers’ actions. Their collective voice, alongside that of Women’s Aid, will continue to advocate for the necessary systemic changes and resource allocation to ensure that no survivor is left without the help they need and that every child is truly safe from harm. This reshuffle, therefore, represents not just a change in personnel, but a renewed opportunity to solidify the UK’s commitment to eradicating violence against women and girls and building a justice system that genuinely prioritises the safety and well-being of its most vulnerable citizens.
