How sex abusers who target their own children keep parental rights – and the mothers fighting back

A mother is desperate to change her child’s surname – so that they no longer share it with their criminal father.

But Emily* is being blocked from doing so by her ex, despite the fact that he is a convicted child sex offender. Her predicament is not unique.

Under English and Welsh law, child sex abusers are able to keep their parental rights in the UK, even if they target their own children. This allows them to retain influence over where the child lives, as well as their healthcare and education.

Getting parental responsibility revoked is an intensely protracted process that requires going through the family courts and can cost as much as £30,000 to £50,000.

But London’s victims’ commissioner, Claire