91Èȱ¬

The Government is reviewing the way courts grant shared parenting rights. They are considering making it law that both parents have a role in their child’s upbringing. But what happens when the father has a history of domestic violence?  How does this affect the decisions made by the courts on contact arrangements with their children? In a new report’ Picking up the Pieces’, the campaigning group Rights of Women have highlighted the shortcomings of the current system. Emma Scott from Rights of Women joins Jenni to discuss. Amanda talks about her many visits to court to sort out contact arrangements for her daughter, and how she feel the process has enabled her violent partner to continue to exert control over her.

Since Bram Stoker’s Dracula first popularized the vampire, and created the beginnings of a new genre, creatures such as werewolves, witches, zombies and vampires have become part of mainstream culture. But the vampires and werewolves of Twilight, True Blood, and Being Human are modern day extensions of the folklore that started hundreds of years ago in Eastern Europe. To explain our fascination with these supernatural beings, Jenni is joined by vampirologist and science communicator Dr Kathryn Harkup, and by Deborah Hyde, Editor of The Skeptic Magazine who writes about belief in the malign supernatural at jourdemayne.com.

Deborah Hyde and Kathryn Harkup will be joined by other speakers at the free After Dark event at The Barbican on 31 October,  where they'll talk about the science behind belief in the paranormal.

Julia Bradbury is a TV presenter of programmes including Countryfile, South Africa Walks and The Great British Countryside.  She is also a keen fell walker, and her 91Èȱ¬ TV series Wainwright Walks, looked at the walks of Alfred Wainwright, and received great acclaim.  She has now written a book on the subject, with ten great walks. So, whether you’re a first time walker or a Lake District die-hard Julia says there’s a walk for everyone.  She joins Jenni to discuss her passion for the outdoors, her particular favourites and the hazards of walking with a film crew in tow.

Julia Bradbury’s Wainwright Walks – For first timers or Lake District die-hards – 10 of Alfred Wainwrights best walks, is published by Frances Lincoln Limited on 1 November.

With our launch of the Woman’s Hour Power List we continue to examine the nature of power and who holds it. Professor Lisa Jardine, Chair of Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority and broadcaster and journalist, Janet Street-Porter discuss why powerful women still generate such excitement or anxiety?

Judi Herman visits the at the V&A and is shown a Bellville Sassoon dress designed for Jill Ritblat in the 1960s.