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<p>The Ministry of Justice does not hold data relating to whether individual cases
were taken out on a vexatious basis, as there is no statutory definition for this.
In addition, data relating to domestic abuse cases handled by the family courts does
not identify whether the applicant has previously been a perpetrator of domestic abuse.</p><p>
</p><p>However, it is unacceptable for someone to use court processes to harass or
abuse a former partner. The family court has wide powers to manage such situations,
including striking out an action it views as an abuse of process, and the power to
prevent a person from making further applications without prior permission of the
court.</p><p> </p><p>This Government is committed to transforming the response to
domestic abuse, and the recently published draft Domestic Abuse Bill and consultation
response set out our ambitions in this area. We want to ensure that victims have the
confidence to come forward and report their experience, safe in the knowledge that
the justice system and other agencies will do everything they can both to protect
and support them and their children and pursue their abuser.</p>
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