'Women often feel more abused by the court system than the actual perpetrator'

“Domestic violence is a 50/50 thing.” “It’s not like you were beaten.” “Maybe one day you’ll be able to forget what happened.”
These are just some of the shocking comments that vulnerable women say they have been forced to face in court – from the judges tasked with deciding their families’ futures.
They say the comments show a problem with misogyny in the secretive family courts that not only subjects them to further trauma – often in a courtroom with their abuser present – but leads to rulings that can even leave them legally required to face the perpetrator.
Now campaigners are calling for judges who sit in the family courts to undergo further training so they have a proper understanding of the complexities behind domestic abuse, including coercive control, when deciding on cases including access to and custody of children.
‘Reinforcing the coercive control’
Emma* broke up with her partner after 10 years, during which she says he controlled her money and would bill her for “costs” – including when she was on maternity leave raising their child. He was investigated by police for coercive and financial control but, despite this, she faced hours of questioning over money in court after he brought a case against her.
She said she had been put into debt even before the process started, because the assets under her name meant she did not qualify for legal aid despite them being controlled by her exhusband. She said: “I have assets on paper, but my ex-husband has trapped the capital in those assets [in property], so I am thousands in the red while he controls the assets that I have no access to, because his name is on the mortgages despite the first property being one I bought many years before I knew him.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 17, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der August 17, 2024-Ausgabe von The Independent.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 9.500 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden

Trump's irrational travel ban is an exercise in extremism
To borrow a famous phrase from another American president, no one should ever misunderestimate the capacity for idiocy of Donald J Trump.

'I wanted to be a singersongwriter like Billy Joel'
Disney composer Alan Menken has won more Oscars than anyone alive. As 'Hercules' the musical hits the West End, he speaks with Lydia Spencer-Elliott about finding the 'whoa'

Champion Swiatek toppled by late Sabalenka surge
The reign is over. It's a reality that will hit Iga Swiatek as brutally as a thumping forehand return from Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated the French Open champion 7-6, 4-6, 6-0 to reach her first Roland Garros final.

Briton held in Sri Lanka jail could wait months for bail
Charlotte May Lee accused of smuggling synthetic cannabis

Labour bans annual bonuses for six water company chiefs
Six water companies have been banned from paying bonuses to senior bosses, under new rules that come into force today.

Labour beats SNP in shock Hamilton by-election win
Labour recorded a shock victory in the Holyrood by-election last night, seizing the Hamilton, Larkhall and Stonehouse seat from the SNP.

Wiegman dismisses 'noise' around Lionesses squad
England head coach Sarina Wiegman 'really excited' by her Euro 2025 side despite much-publicised loss of senior trio

Those who could benefit from winter fuel U-turn
In a latest U-turn after months of backlash, Sir Keir Starmer's government has announced that more pensioners will receive the winter fuel allowance.

Boy and girl sentenced for killing of 80-year-old man
Bhim Kohli was found screaming out’ in pain near his home

James has talent to light up Euros... if her fitness allows
The past week hasn't exactly been an oasis of calm for the Lionesses. Mary Earps and Fran Kirby have retired from international football, Millie Bright withdrew from selection for Euro 2025.