> The effects of family breakdown
This is a crucial area of research. It is becoming increasingly clear that where there is confrontation over access, children can suffer badly. It is important to know how this affects children and what part it plays in the development of psychological problems and anti-social behaviour in later life.

The NSCFC condemns and abhors all physical violence and mental abuse, but we feel there is a need for a clearer definition of what constitutes domestic violence. The law dealing with domestic violence is messy, unclear and to some extent outdated, and given this confusion, the police and the judiciary are often unsure of how to deal properly and fairly with claims of domestic violence in family courts. We are compiling statistical data with the aim of encouraging a clarification of this issue.

> Access and the Human Rights Act
The NSCFC believes that some parts of the UK’s family law breach the Human Rights Act and we are working to clarify the situation and press for change.

> How effective is the current system of mediation?
The NSCFC believes that where children are involved mediation should be mandatory in any legal action regarding marital or relationship breakdown, and that the results of mediation should be binding. We are also seeking to ensure that mediation recognises the roles and rights of the extended family, particularly where institutional care is an option under consideration. We are compiling data on the use and effectiveness of the current system of mediation.