Judges forcing violent fathers who have shown no remorse to attend 'Caring Dads Programme' are making the sessions hard to run, an MP has said.

Peter Aldous said the Waveney Domestic Violence Forum in his constituency had raised concerns that they were being required to admit remorseless fathers, meaning there were those who wanted to be there and those who didn't.

The sessions are set up to help fathers improve relations with their children and to end controlling abusive and neglectful behaviours.

Minister Sarah Newton said she appreciated the forum's concerns and that she was working closely with justice secretary Liz Truss and with the judiciary to consider what additional protections may be necessary.

She also said there were innovative pilots being introduced.

The Waveney Caring Dads Programme aims to help fathers improve relations with their children and to end controlling abusive and neglectful behaviour.

Suffolk Constabulary recorded more than 9,000 incidents of domestic abuse between April 1, 2014, and March 31, 2015 - a year-on-year increase of 12.6pc. Around 23pc of victims were male.

For help and advice you can contact police by dialling 101 or the national domestic violence helpline on 0808 200 0247.