Form C1A – Allegations of harm

What is Form C1A?

Form C1A is the Allegations of Harm form used in children proceedings. It tells the court about concerns regarding:

• Domestic abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, financial, sexual)
• Child abuse or neglect
• Violence or threats
• Drug or alcohol misuse affecting the children
• Risk of abduction
• Any other behaviour that may harm the child

You submit Form C1A alongside Form C100 (child arrangements application) when there are safety or harm concerns.

Download Form C1A

When is Form C1A needed?

You should complete Form C1A if:

• You or your children have experienced domestic abuse
• You have concerns about child abuse or neglect
• There’s a risk the other parent may harm the children
• There are drug or alcohol issues affecting the children
• There’s a risk of abduction
• Any other safety concerns exist

If you answer “yes” to the harm questions in Form C100, you must complete Form C1A.

No additional fee

There’s no fee for Form C1A – it’s submitted alongside your Form C100 application.

What counts as domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse includes:

Physical abuse:

• Hitting, slapping, pushing
• Using weapons
• Restraining or imprisoning

Emotional/psychological abuse:

• Constant criticism
• Threats and intimidation
• Isolation from family and friends
• Gaslighting
• Controlling behaviour

Coercive control:

• Monitoring movements
• Controlling finances
• Making rules you must follow
• Threats about children

Financial abuse:

• Controlling all money
• Preventing you from working
• Running up debts in your name

Sexual abuse:

• Rape or sexual assault
• Pressuring into sexual acts
• Sharing intimate images

Completing Form C1A

Section 1: Applicant details

Your name and the case number (same as Form C100).

Section 2: Type of abuse

Tick all types of harm that apply:

• Physical abuse
• Emotional/psychological abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Financial abuse
• Other (specify)

Section 3: Who has experienced abuse

Indicate who has been affected:

• You
• The child/children
• Another person

Section 4: Description of behaviour

For each type of abuse, describe:

• What happened
• When it happened (dates if possible)
• How often it occurred
• Impact on you and the children

Tips:

• Be specific but concise
• Focus on facts, not emotions
• Include dates and locations where possible
• Mention any witnesses

Section 5: Evidence

List any evidence you have:

• Police reports or crime reference numbers
• Court orders (non-molestation, restraining orders)
• Medical records
• Photos of injuries
• Text messages or emails
• Witness statements

You don’t need evidence to make allegations, but evidence strengthens your case.

Section 6: Children’s exposure

Describe what the children have witnessed or experienced:

• Did they see the abuse?
• Were they directly harmed?
• How has it affected them?

Section 7: Current risk

Assess the current risk:

• Is there ongoing abuse?
• What is the risk to you?
• What is the risk to the children?

Section 8: Abduction risk

If there’s a risk the other parent may take the children without consent:

• Describe the risk
• Has this happened before?
• Are there international concerns?

Section 9: Orders sought

What orders do you want to protect you and the children?

• Supervised contact
• No direct contact
• Specific safeguards

Statement of truth

Sign and date, confirming the information is true.

Supporting evidence

Evidence can include:

Official records:

• Police reports and crime numbers
• Court orders
• Cafcass reports from previous proceedings
• Social services records

Medical evidence:

• GP records
• Hospital records
• Photos of injuries

Communications:

• Threatening texts or emails
• Abusive voicemails
• Social media messages

Witness evidence:

• Statements from friends or family
• Reports from professionals (teachers, health visitors)

Keep copies of all evidence – the court may want originals.

How the court uses Form C1A

When the court receives Form C1A:

1. Cafcass informed – they’ll consider allegations during safeguarding checks
2. Police/social services checks – Cafcass checks records
3. First hearing – court addresses safety at the first hearing (FHDRA)
4. Fact-finding hearing – if allegations are disputed and significant, the court may hold a hearing to determine what happened
5. Safeguards ordered – court can order measures to protect you and children

Special measures at court

If you’ve experienced abuse, you can ask for:

• Separate waiting areas
• Screens in the courtroom
• Giving evidence by video link
• Breaks during hearings
• A supporter with you

Request special measures when you submit your application or contact the court.

If you’re responding to allegations

If someone has made allegations against you in Form C1A:

• You’ll receive a copy
• You can respond at the first hearing
• You may need to file your own statement
• Consider getting legal advice

False allegations can be addressed, but focus on the children’s welfare.

Important notes

Related forms