Domestic violence and abuse has probably existed for as long as human life. It is a pernicious evil that mainly, but not exclusively, affects woman and girls. At its lowest it creates a culture of fear, control and subjugation; at its highest it can lead to serious injury, rape, and even murder. In addition to the traditional forms, the advent of the internet age, in which communication is easier, freer and cheaper, has created new forums in which domestic violence and abuse can be perpetrated and endured.

The law was, historically, slow to act against domestic violence and abuse. The first statute, the Domestic Violence and Matrimonial Proceedings Act 1976 was enacted within the memory of some of the judges and barristers attending this week-end. Even after that was passed, the police and courts were, all too often, reluctant to deal appropriately with such behaviour. The current statutory provisions, set out in Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996, go some way further to addressing it.

Does the law go far enough? How could it be improved? And even if the law were improved, is this area policed sufficiently and appropriately. If not, what should be done to improve it?

This week-end will examine these questions and many others concerning this difficult area of law. You will hear not just from judges and lawyers but also from those on the front line of dealing with those who have been subjected to violence and abuse.