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Measures to protect children from domestic violence have been announced by the government.

Family courts will have to consider the harm children might suffer as a result of violence in the home as well as what they might suffer after witnessing abuse against another person.

Lawyers will also have to complete forms to ensure allegations of abuse are raised at the start of legal proceedings so that courts can make decisions after hearing all the facts.

The procedures will affect courts dealing with the contact, residence and other applications under section 8 of the Children Act 1989.

Children's minister Margaret Hodge is soon to publish the government's response to the Children Act sub-committee report Making Contact Work.