Campaigner Secures Domestic Abuse Law Reform After Sons' Murders

A sustained campaign by Claire Throssell, whose sons Jack and Paul were murdered by their father during a court-ordered contact visit, has culminated in new legal protections for children facing domestic abuse.

Jack, 12, and Paul, 9, died in 2014 when their father, Darren Sykes, deliberately set fire to his home in Penistone, South Yorkshire, having lured the boys there. Sykes had a documented history of domestic abuse and violence, which Ms Throssell had repeatedly highlighted to authorities, including family courts.

The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 now includes a provision, Clause 63, which mandates that children are explicitly recognised as victims of domestic abuse if they see, hear, or experience its effects. Furthermore, the Family Procedure Rule Committee has amended court rules to ensure that victims and their children are better safeguarded in family court proceedings, particularly concerning child contact arrangements where abuse is a factor.

These changes mean courts must now consider a comprehensive record of domestic abuse allegations and findings before making contact orders. The reforms aim to prevent future tragedies by prioritising the safety and well-being of children over a presumption of parental contact in cases where abuse is present. Ms Throssell stated her hope that these reforms would be her sons' legacy.