Episode 47: Domestic abuse in the family courts and what needs to change

The gasp factor, what should be the real headline of financial abuse, things must change and our collective responsibility…

We’re back for season 6 as we welcome leading 4PB Barrister Anita Mehta, who juggles a busy practice of complex financial remedy and children disputes with lecturing, writing and podcasting to look at how domestic abuse plays out in financial proceedings.

Co-author of the recent Resolution report on this matter, Anita takes us back to the history of how the family court has viewed domestic abuse, where we are today and makes a loud and clear call for change.

00:00 Introductions
02:10 The background to the Resolution report: Domestic abuse in Financial Proceedings
05:03 How does the family court currently consider domestic abuse?
05:34 A (sometimes shocking) history lesson on the family court, domestic abuse and divorce
07:20 What behaviour is taken into account by the court?
08:53 What is the gasp factor?
09:49 The unfairness sometimes of the situation
11:48 But things are starting to change…
13:10 The understanding of domestic abuse is finally evolving
13:52 The impact of this new understanding on lawyers and courts
18:09 The recommendations of the report
18:35 We have to do everything better to make the process safer
19:39 The role of NCDR and the right to choose
22:23 What practical things are needed to change to support victims / survivors?
26:53 The red flags of economic abuse
31:00 Recommendations for people who cannot afford legal support
38:00 What needs to happen next?
42:21 Expert advice for anyone dealing with domestic abuse


Additional information

Surviving economic abuse - https://bit.ly/3v7uAA4   
Divorcing or separating from a narcissist - https://bit.ly/3ROxpyQ 
Domestic abuse - how can a family lawyer help? https://youtu.be/bto4CXasGz0 
Dealing with post-separation abuse - https://bit.ly/3veGwzR 
Taking control of your finances on separation - https://youtu.be/CIp6n4pgd9k

You can read the full Resolution report on domestic abuse in financial remedy proceedings here. 

If you need support with the issues raised in this podcast, or would like to speak to a family lawyer, contact Stowe at: https://bit.ly/35WPSj2

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