Domestic violence, also called domestic abuse, includes physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse in couple relationships or between family members.

Domestic violence can happen against anyone, and anybody can be an abuser.

When someone becomes a victim, it can take a lot of courage and strength to leave the abuser, even more so, when children are involved and you want to protect them.

This petition is to protect the children from being in back in contact with the abusive parent in any circumstance. Its a horrible, gut wrenching feeling for a parent, to leave a domestically violent, abusive marriage, only to be told that the abusive parent can still be in contact with their child/children.

Children need to be surrounded by love and care, to feel safe in their homes with their carers (whether it be a parent, grandparent or other). 

Too many times we have seen the justice system fail and childrens lives are taken too soon, and as we watch the news, we all say "something should have been done sooner'

This is what should be done. If a child has been involved with domestic abuse, the abusive parent should lose their parental responsibility. It is not a safe for the children to be around such people. If they have got out of this situation, why would we send them back?

This petition is to give full legal rights to the guardian who has the children's best interests at heart. If it is the mother who is protecting her children, she should be given permission to change their children's names to their mothers maiden name. If a parent / legal guardian wishes to take their children on holiday, they should be able to do so without the consent of the abusive parent. 

People fight for a fresh start. It is not fair at all, when the abusive parent still gets to have control in these areas, even more so after a divorce. This needs to change and we need to make it happen.