Placards were waving outside Southend County Court as droves of women came out in force to demand better laws to protect children from violent parents.
Southend women made a symbolic gesture outside the building in Tyler's Avenue, on Friday, by wearing gags - to represent children being 'silenced' against speaking out over abuse.
Protest - campaigners wear masks and gags to make their point outside Southend County Court Picture: STEVE O'CONNELL
Supporters of the Southend Women's Refuge held placards as they demonstrated to demand protection for children involved in contact proceedings with a violent parent.
Maggi Howell, spokeswoman for Southend Women's Aid, said: "Many abused women and children are silenced by the family courts because it is contempt of court to discuss court proceedings with anyone else.
"We are calling for our local MPs Sir Teddy Taylor and David Amess, and the Government, to support an amendment to the Adoption and Children Bill."
Published Monday October 14, 2002
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