Domestic Abusers barred from cross-examining victims in Family and Civil Courts

For many, this is a long-awaited and welcomed change. 

From 21 July 2022, there is a legal bar on parties cross-examining each other where there is evidence of abuse. This reform is part of the implementation of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. 

Going to Court can be daunting and the prospect of being questioned by the alleged abuser can be enough to put victims off seeking help through the Family Courts. For cases that reach the Courtroom, there were concerns that the perpetrators were using the cross-examination process as a tool to inflict further harm on their victims. 

A Court-appointed legal professional will conduct the cross-examination instead. The aim is make the Court process less traumatic for the parties and provide better support for victims whilst ensuring that justice is done fairly for both parties.  

...victims of domestic abuse shouldn’t face the extra torment of being cross-examined by their abuser.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/domestic-abusers-barred-from-cross-examining-victims-in-family-and-civil-courts