Coercive behaviour must be prioritised in domestic abuse cases, court of appeal says

New guidance for England and Wales welcomed but critics say it fails to address perpetuation of rape myths and contact at all costs' approach

The family courts should prioritise the issue of coercive and controlling behaviour when considering disputes between parents in domestic abuse cases, court of appeal judges have advised.

Three senior judges set out fresh guidance on how these sensitive cases should be approached as part of a 47-page judgment after hearing four linked appeals brought by mothers over child contact.