Lawyers and MPs in England and Wales express concern over ‘unregulated’ psychologists who play key role in disputes over domestic abuse. MPs, lawyers and charity leaders are among those calling for an urgent inquiry into the use of unregulated psychological experts in the family courts, after an investigation by the Observer. In a letter sent to the justice secretary, the victims’ … [Read more...]
Parental Alienation and the Unregulated Experts Shattering Children’s Lives
Amanda wept as she recalled her children being removed from her home several years ago – her youngest clinging to her as they were dragged away screaming. They were frightened. After all, they had made their feelings clear: “We want to stay with Mummy. We love Daddy but he scares us.” Yet their wishes were attributed to their mother’s “brainwashing”. She said he became violent and she found the … [Read more...]
State-Sanctioned Abuse of DV Survivors in Family Courts – The Government Can No Longer Claim Ignorance
(UK) Channel 4 Dispatches looks into the family court system and will bring much-needed attention to the “state-sanctioned abuse” experienced by adults and children in the U.K. "While the program is incredibly emotional and difficult to watch, it is essential viewing, as we must shine a light on what is going on inside these courts which are currently shrouded in secrecy." Read more here, … [Read more...]
UK Parliament Facing Growing Anger After Voting Against Enhancements to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors
Conservative Members of Parliament (MPs) voted against several amendments to the domestic abuse bill on Thursday including: placing serial domestic abusers and stalkers on the current Violent and Sex Offender Register (Visor); giving family court judges training on sexual abuse; and providing greater protection to migrant victims of domestic violence. “Domestic abuse remains … [Read more...]
Coercive Behavior Must Be Prioritized in Domestic Abuse Cases
Court of appeal judges in the UK have advised that the family courts should prioritize the issue of coercive and controlling behavior when considering disputes between parents in domestic abuse cases. New guidance for England and Wales welcomed but critics say it fails to address perpetuation of rape myths and the ‘contact at all costs’ approach. The judges said regarding coercive incidents that … [Read more...]