Assumption: "(Domestic Abuse Courses) Domestic abuse programmes are just a Cafcass idea. The court can't really make me do one."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Parents treat a recommendation or direction to attend a domestic abuse perpetrator programme as optional.
Court Reality
The court has a statutory power under section 11A of the Children Act 1989 to direct a parent to take part in programmes that address violent behaviour, and PD12J paragraphs 33 and 34 set out how this works. Providers assess suitability first, and the report will describe how you engaged. Being closed off a programme for seeing yourself as the victim can count heavily against progressing contact.
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The Gap?
"(Domestic Abuse Courses) Domestic abuse programmes are just a Cafcass idea. The court can't really make me do one."
Court Reality
The court has a statutory power under section 11A of the Children Act 1989 to direct a parent to take part in programmes that address violent behaviour, and PD12J paragraphs 33 and 34 set out how this works. Providers assess suitability first, and the report will describe how you engaged. Being closed off a programme for seeing yourself as the victim can count heavily against progressing contact.
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