(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...]
“Parental Alienation” is Misused, Has No Scientific Evidence, and Should Have No Place in Our Law or Legal System
Despite there being no scientific evidence for it, "parental alienation" has been misused in our family courts to the extent that victims of domestic abuse are afraid to disclose abuse for fear of being accused of alienation. CJE colleague in the U.K., Baroness Arminka Helic, is doing a phenomenal job fighting efforts in her country to add "parental alienation" to the sweeping Domestic Abuse … [Read more...]
The Amendment Threatening to Derail the Domestic Abuse Bill (UK)
The domestic abuse bill currently before parliament is being watched very closely by domestic abuse support networks throughout the world. It is potentially landmark legislation that could help to alleviate some of the torment and suffering that predominantly women and children experience daily. Yet there is one proposed amendment that could undermine the positive aspects of the bill - the push to … [Read more...]