Claire Throssell MBE - Author and Activist - Presented by The Law Society…

The Law Society are very pleased to welcome Claire Throssell MBE, author and activist, to campus to talk about her experiences of domestic violence, and her activism to ensure that children's voices are heard. 

Claire’s book tells her powerful and heartbreaking story, one that has shaped national awareness and policy on how the family courts respond to domestic abuse and child safety.

In October 2014, Claire’s life changed forever when her two sons, Jack and Paul, were murdered by their father after years of domestic abuse. Despite her repeated warnings and the boys’ own wishes, the courts granted unsupervised contact during which their father set fire to the house with them inside.

Since that day, Claire has worked tirelessly to ensure that children's voices are never ignored again. Her courage and campaigning have led to real and lasting change. She has:

Helped shape the Domestic Abuse Act

Ensured that survivors cannot be cross-examined by perpetrators in the Family Courts

Spearheaded the Child First campaign, calling for children’s safety to come before parental contact

Claire’s story is one of unimaginable loss but also remarkable determination and purpose. Through her work, she continues to champion children’s rights and highlight the urgent need for systems that protect, listen to, and believe those impacted by domestic abuse.