Perpetrators of intimate partner violence should be barred from seeing the couple’s children, believes German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig.

“Those beating their partner should expect to be no longer allowed to see their child – or only when accompanied by a third party,” Hubig told Germany’s Funke Mediengruppe media group in comments published on Saturday.

Existing German law only allows for a parent’s custody rights to be restricted if the child is subjected to violence – but not if a parent experiences domestic abuse.

“We need to make it clear in the law: In cases of violence against the other parent, contact with the child can also be restricted or even prohibited. After all, the child suffers when the father beats up the mother,” Hubig argued.

The minister’s comments came after she announced plans in parliament earlier this week to increase protection for those subjected to domestic violence.

In the interview, Hubig stressed that restrictions to custody rights might also be justifiable in case of psychological abuse of a partner – “for example in case of severe insults or threats.”

The minister also floated plans to change rental laws to better protect against domestic abuse.

She argued that “anyone affected by domestic violence” must be able to move out of a joint home as quickly as possible, noting that currently the signatures of all parties are required for someone to be released from a joint rental agreement.