Many domestic abuse victims who flee dangerous relationships will end up in the civil family courts. Whilst criminal law in the UK has advanced in recent years, and made coercive control a crime, family law remains in the dark ages. Perpetrators use the family courts to continue their cycle of abuse, and the outdated system enables it.
Read moreThe Children (Scotland) Bill: Welfare Reporters & Shared Parenting
Liam McArthur MSP has proposed well-intentioned amendments to the Children (Scotland) Bill for the debate timetabled for the 25th August. His amendments are concerning shared parenting and child welfare reporters in particular. The amendments sound reasonable, at first, but let me explain why they would, in fact, be harmful to victims of abuse, particularly mothers and children.
Read moreHow to Beat the Bias in the Family Court
The family court can be a brutal environment for a mother who claims that her ex's abusive behaviour is causing her child to resist contact. There is a systemic bias in the system, and mothers are often approached with scepticism. Here are some critical points to consider if you have no option but to fight for the safety of your child and try to 'beat the bias';
Read moreCo-parenting with a Narcissistic Abuser: The Problem, the Solution and the Long-term Plan
Anyone who tries to co-parent with a narcissistic, abusive ex knows that it is challenging to say the least; it consumes your life. There are steps you can take to make this journey less stressful. These steps will test your strength of character, but you are in this for the long run, and you can't escape it. Once you discover the long-term plan, you realise that while the narcissist feels like they are winning every time they break the rules, they are, in fact, self-destructing.
Read moreClaiming Abuse in The Family Court? The Parental Alienation Counterclaim : How to Prevent & Deny
If you claim, in the civil Family Court, that your child is resisting contact due to Domestic Abuse or Child Abuse, then there is a risk that you will not be successful, if the abuser counterclaims with Parental Alienation.
Read moreThe Narcissistic Abuser and the Parental Alienation Counterclaim
To be accused of Parental Alienation in a Family Court action is frightening, particularly if the accuser is also the abuser. Extremely narcissistic individuals will accuse their ex-partner of the behaviour which they are guilty. It's a form of manipulation which the narcissist is well versed. In a courtroom, with their charming façade, the narcissist will always win a battle of words. They are convincing, and they can deceive judges confidently. One must look deep into the evidence to find the truth.
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