Claire Throssell, a mother of two children tragically killed by their father, is urging Prime Minister Keir Starmer to prioritize child safety. Speaking at the Labour Party conference, Throssell emphasized the need to revise guidelines to eliminate the presumption of contact, following the devastating loss of her sons, Jack and Paul. The boys, aged 12 and 9, were victims of their father’s heinous act in 2014, leading Claire to advocate for legal reforms to safeguard children from abusive parents.
Throssell highlighted the flaw in the current Children’s Act, where judges default to granting access to both parents, even in cases of known domestic abuse. She shared her heartbreaking experience of attempting to warn authorities about her ex-husband’s dangerous tendencies, only to have her concerns overlooked, resulting in the tragic deaths of her children. Recent statistics from Women’s Aid further underscore the alarming trend of parental abuse leading to child homicides in England and Wales.
Despite the loss and pain, Claire remains steadfast in her mission to protect vulnerable children. She has penned a book, “For My Boys,” slated for release soon, urging the government to reconsider contact guidelines. Her relentless advocacy, including a successful petition and parliamentary debate, aims to dismantle the pro-contact culture in family courts. Claire is resolute in holding the government accountable for its promises to combat violence against women and girls, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent further tragedies.
Claire’s poignant story serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of overlooking warning signs of abuse, urging swift action to ensure every child’s right to a safe and secure future.