Legal Learning Session: Coercive control and contact: implications for practice from a key case

In general, the family court looks for safe mechanisms for children to spend time with separated parents. It remains vigilant about safeguarding when allegations of domestic abuse arise and these are explored carefully. However, there are some circumstances where courts will not order any sort of contact for children - not even indirect contact - when there are serious findings of domestic abuse. This session will examine one such case, F v M [2023] EWFC 5, [2021] EWFC 4, where there were findings of extreme domestic abuse in the form of coercive and controlling behaviour - with input from representatives on both sides.

This session will provide:

• An overview of the case
• An examination of the issues, outcomes and similar cases
• Discussion of the implications for social work practice and contact arrangements going forwards

Michelle Lubelle, solicitor, Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Adrian Barnett-Thoung-Holland, barrister, Coram Chambers