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I’m going to stick my neck out here. @ResFamilyLaw Are the family lawyers group with the greatest clout. We are the lobby group. We have the prestige and cash and widest umbrella that all family lawyers can be in.The message from resolution needs to be stronger on #DomesticAbuse
Today’s report, link here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/895173/assessing-risk-harm-children-parents-pl-childrens-cases-report_.pdf Shows that there is a systemic problem.
Resolution’s message, pushed admirably by the formidably competent communications team, is that parents should always work together. Alternative dispute resolution should be the norm .
The message of course, is from the lawyers who are members of the group, And we the lawyers have to think about the message we are promoting.
The statistics show that about 60% of private law applications have an element of domestic abuse. My own anecdotal experience tells me that may be understating the case.
We are part of the systemic problem. We normalise and sanctify out of court/settle/be kind/don’t kick up a fuss, and stigmatise a robust discussion and belief in Survivor instructions.
This must change, this is not about just “welcoming the report with our friends at @womensaid . We are part of the problem.
Resolution has the resources to initiate significant training across the profession including into the student body. This could be subsidised. It needs to be trauma informed, use the wheel of power and control, and have an appreciation of narcissistic control and DARVO.
Have you ever asked yourself, “why do all these women keep telling me the same rape/strangled/spits at me/kicked me/hold me against the wall, et cetera story?
Guess what, there is not a conspiracy to pretend that domestic abuse has happened so they can “get the children and money”.
I very much hope that @ResFamilyLaw is going to lead the way as robustly as it has led the way on Reforming divorce.
ENDS. *retreats to bunker*
