Children are being re-traumatised as abusers weaponise the courts system

The contested idea of 'parental alienation' is giving abusers cover as court officials are not trained in domestic abuse 

Always having contact with both parents as in a child’s best interest should not be the starting point in considering matters of custody and access where there are allegations of abuse.

Groundbreaking research published last week into the Irish family law system undertaken by Trinity College Dublin and University College Cork, and commissioned by Women’s Aid, makes for stark and sobering reading. 

The findings of this 360-degree examination of the experiences of adult and child victim-survivors of domestic violence and abuse in guardianship, custody and access proceedings show court processes are re-traumatising those who have already suffered.