Existing research provides strong evidence that in making arrangements for child contact when there is a history of domestic violence, the current workings of the Family Justice System support a pro-contact approach that neglects the safety needs of children and women, and the impact on them of previous or continuing domestic violence. This frequently exposes children and women to further violence, causes them significant harm, and prevents their recovery. For a substantial number of children, the privileging of men’s rights to contact over children’s welfare negatively affects every aspect of their wellbeing and development. The individual and societal costs are unacceptable. This review of research focuses on the safety and wellbeing of children when having contact, whilst also acknowledging that this is related to the safety of women. It identifies major messages from research about what is needed to ensure that child contact arrangements are safe, beneficial and informed by children views. The report:
 Examines the implications of the presumption of contact that underpins the current legal process and the risks this poses for children’s safety and wellbeing;
- Identifies what is required to improve the safety and wellbeing of children when arrangements for child contact are made where there is a history of domestic violence;
-- Makes recommendations for changes that are urgently needed. (From the introduction). This research was commissioned by Women's Aid and conducted by researchers at the Centre for the Study of Safety and Wellbeing, University of Warwick. While this report focused on the impact of the UK law, it draws on international research and the issues are also relevant in the New Zealand context. Record #5161