When Are We Going To Talk About Family Law Abuse?

We’re an events brand first and foremost. But we also believe that if you have a platform, you should use it to help people.

One cause that means a great deal to us is supporting parents and families affected by the family court system. We want to offer guidance, share what we’ve learned, and encourage open conversations about a system that many people feel is failing children and families.

Family court isn’t a “mum versus dad” issue. While there is often a stigma that only fathers suffer, the reality is also that mothers can experience exactly the same thing, in different ways. When a child is manipulated into rejecting a loving parent, everyone loses.

The emotional impact can be life-changing. Parents often describe experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, isolation, broken relationships, financial hardship and long-term emotional trauma. Some people even find that events from family court proceedings continue to affect their lives years later.

Imagine this…

You’re a loving parent.

Suddenly, serious allegations are made against you. Out if the blue.

Police become involved.

Your contact with your child stops completely.

The only way to rebuild your relationship is through the tangled web of court processes.

Meanwhile, you may have to represent yourself while the other party has legal representation.

Whether or not that outcome is justified in an individual case, many parents find the imbalance overwhelming and feel they have little chance of being heard.

Sadly, many families tell similar stories every day.

We’ve spoken to parents who say they have been secretly recorded for months in their own homes, accused of things that were untrue as a a way to fraudulently claim legal-aid and forced into repeated court proceedings.

Every case is different, and only a court can determine the facts, but the emotional damage to children and parents can be enormous regardless of the outcome.

In our opinion, there should be greater accountability throughout the family justice system, repercussions for dishonest allegations, more support for families after proceedings, and a stronger focus on protecting children rather than prolonging conflict. Also, there should be prevention of financial / legal-aid advantage given to purpotraitors.

One anonymous person shared with us that they discovered a recording device hidden in their home after several months. They told us the discovery left them feeling shocked, violated and unable to trust anyone. Not even the police could stop it and it happened a second time. We cannot verify every single account shared with us, but stories like these backed by first hand evidence demonstrate just how traumatic family disputes can become.

We also regularly hear concerns from parents who believe parts of their legal experience were unfair or lacked compassion. While every solicitor and barrister has professional duties and many carry them out with integrity, some parents leave the process feeling that they have not been treated fairly. Sometimes even laughed at and antagonised. We believe concerns about professional conduct should be properly investigated through the appropriate regulatory bodies whenever necessary. Not just box-ticking inaction!

One thing that did come from our own experiences was knowledge. Knowledge is powerful. If we can use what we’ve learned to help another parent feel less alone, then something positive has come from an incredibly difficult experience.

We are not solicitors and cannot provide legal advice. However, we’re always happy to offer informal guidance, share our experiences, and point people towards organisations that may be able to help.

Helpful Support

If you’re struggling, please remember that you are not alone.

Useful organisations include:

• Families Need Fathers (supports mothers, fathers, grandparents and wider family members)

• PAPA – People Against Parental Alienation

• Support Through Court

• Citizens Advice

• Samaritans – Call 116 123 free, 24 hours a day, if you’re struggling emotionally.

If you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm, contact the police on 999 or your local children’s services.

Above all, remember this:

Children deserve to be protected from adult conflict.

Loving parents deserve fairness.

No child should ever be used as a weapon.

If you’re going through family court proceedings or simply need someone to point you in the right direction, you’re welcome to message our page. We will do our best to share information, free support and encouragement.

No one should have to face this journey alone.