In cases where it has been alleged or admitted, or there is other reason to believe, that the child or a party has experienced domestic abuse perpetrated by another party or that there is a risk of such abuse then the court must:
- identify the factual and welfare issues involved at the earliest opportunity;
- consider the nature of the domestic abuse and the extent to which it may be relevant in the current court case;
- give directions so that the contested relevant factual and welfare issues can be tried fairly, and as soon as possible (also known as a 'fact finding' hearing or a 'finding of fact' hearing);
- ensure that child arrangements are in place to protect the welfare of the child and the parent with whom the child is living;