Family Law in the Context of Violence and Abuse
VOCAL is aware that many relationships end because of violence and abuse.
Both men and women can be violent, abusive, use drugs, and may make poor parents. Both men and women can abuse and harm children. Our emphasis here is not about male-female dominance, but safety and mental and physical health for men and women, especially children.
People in relationships where there is violence often stay with the abuser ‘for the sake of the children’. Relationships may not end until they realise the child is being harmed. When the child becomes a target, or the child discloses abuse – especially sexual abuse, the relationship often ends.
Women who allege the father has perpetrated against his children are often disbelieved in the absence of ‘proof’. Abuser’s rarely abuse in public.
And you have already read how stacked against the victim the criminal court is – haven’t you?
