A mother of two children who were tragically killed by their father is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to prioritize child safety. Claire Throssell, from Penistone, Sheffield, spoke at the Labour Party conference, advocating for changes to guidelines to prevent further tragedies like the one she faced. Her sons, Jack and Paul, were victims of their father’s violent act in 2014, highlighting the need for a review of the family justice system to protect children from abusive parents.
Claire emphasized the flaws in the current system, citing the automatic presumption of contact with both parents under the Children’s Act, despite warning signs of potential harm. The prevalence of a ‘pro-contact’ culture in family courts has been linked to tragic outcomes, with a recent Women’s Aid report revealing that 19 children in England and Wales have been killed by parents who had access to them despite a history of domestic abuse.
The report detailed heartbreaking cases of child homicides, underscoring the urgent need for legal reforms to prioritize child safety over parental contact. Claire’s personal tragedy has fueled her advocacy efforts, including writing a book titled “For My Boys,” scheduled for release on October 9, urging the government to reconsider the presumption of contact guidelines. Her relentless campaign aims to honor her sons’ memory and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Despite the devastating loss, Claire finds solace in her sons’ bravery, particularly Jack’s selfless act to protect his brother during the tragedy. She remains determined to raise awareness and push for legislative changes to ensure the safety of children in the family court system. Claire’s unwavering commitment serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need for reforms to prevent further harm to innocent children.