An important reminder

When an election is called, civil servants are subject to strict rules about what they can and can’t do. The work of government is in effect paused until the new administration takes office. This means that from 24th May it has not been possible to learn any more about the Home Office Consultation on terminology and the definition of child to parent abuse; and more importantly that it is not clear what will happen after the election on July 4^th. Having been banging on about this for at least the last ten years, and having just this week announced my retirement, I am struggling not to take this personally!

What I can say is that there was a good response, and that as well as individual contributions, a number of organisations submitted detailed returns following consultation with their own stake-holders. Also that the future of the consultation will depend on the priorities of the new administration.

And so here are some important reminders for us all (in the UK particularly):

• Use your vote on July 4th
• Use your influence to keep this on the agenda – both the consultation and the wider issues*.
• This is, and always has been, a team effort. Together we have moved a long way. Together we can make this happen!

Although I will no longer be involved in training, conferences, writing, or media, I will continue to look after Holes in the Wall for some time to come. So keep watching for more updates. Thank you. 

* The organisation Respect has published a Manifesto calling on political parties to commit to working towards stopping domestic abuse. They specifically include a section noting the pausing of the consultation process and the need for this to be resumed by the new government. Thank you Respect!