The children of convicted abusers are also victims of violence, they have been during abuse, and unfortunately they can continue to suffer from having to maintain contact with their parents. This reality seems to be finally studied by the government of Spain and yesterday the Minister of Equality said that children will also be considered victims and parents convicted of abuse may lose custody or see their rights of parental rights severely restricted.
As explained by the minister, on the other hand, this measure will not be automatic, and will only be taken, at the judge's discretion, when deemed appropriate for ensure the physical and moral integrity of minors.
This clarification, in principle, will ensure that abusers who show signs of not being dangerous to children or women can continue to have custody or visitation rights, but that they should avoid cases as terrible as those that happen.
I cannot even assume the terrible anguish of a mother who has suffered violence when she must leave her children in the hands of a person who knows she is dangerous without being able to do anything to avoid it. When, afterwards, these children suffer sequelae or die at the hands of the aggressor, society should take responsibility for such enormous injustice. An avoidable injustice.
So far this year 4 children have died at the hands of their parents and 40 have been orphaned by the murder of their mothers. Thousands of them still have to have contact with their parents, which means that the situation of violence never ends for them and their mothers. Many suffer violence but it is not possible to move parents away from them until it is too late.
Society cries out in horror at this terrible reality and I believe that urgent measures must be taken to prevent children from remaining victims of violence or leaving them defenseless with parents who can harm them. For this reason he who convicted abusers may lose custody and parental rights It seems to me an indispensable measure.
