A hard day’s night for men abused by women

IN the unnecessarily acrimonious family law system, women frequently allege domestic abuse, especially in cases of separation and divorce.

The widespread reporting of Heather Mills’ allegations of domestic abuse by her estranged husband, Paul McCartney, highlights the way in which such allegations are now used as a routine tactic in order to gain the upper hand.

The motivations include a more generous financial settlement, a greater share of the family property, the estrangement of the children from their father, and the desire to destroy.

Such allegations have devastating consequences for the accused, his reputation and his family. This is abuse in its vilest form.

Elaine Epstein, former president of the Massachusetts Bar Association, has said: “It has become essentially impossible to effectively represent a man against whom any allegation of domestic violence has been made”.

She added: “In many (divorce) cases such allegations are used for tactical advantage… in these cases the facts have become irrelevant”.

Over the years we have heard regularly from men against whom such allegations have been made. In many instances, these unfounded charges are accepted by judges without any supporting evidence. While Ms Mills has come in for some criticism, the publicity her allegations has attracted may have some beneficial consequences if it causes people to question an unscrupulous tactic that is used successfully in too many divorce/separation cases.

Mary T Cleary

Co-ordinator

Amen

Railway Street

Navan

Co Meath.