Why Family Courts Fail Protective Mothers & Children: 20 Common Mistakes in Evaluations Judges Miss

Ashley Rumschlag, CEO of Theresa's Fund and domesticshelters.org, introduces the presentation on the shortcomings of family courts in addressing domestic violence and child abuse cases. She is joined by Rachel Myers and Hannah Craig, who will monitor the chat and Q&A. The webinar offers live closed captioning, a transcript, and a certificate. Attendees are encouraged to submit questions through the Q&A box. An upcoming webinar with Katie Campbell on pet-friendly shelters is announced, and the nomination deadline for the Purple Ribbon Awards is extended.

Barry Goldstein and Veronica York are introduced as the expert panelists. Goldstein, a domestic violence author, speaker, and advocate, has extensive experience in the field and has written multiple books on domestic violence and child abuse in custody cases. York is a certified high conflict divorce coach and an expert in domestic violence and child abuse custody cases. They discuss the importance of the Battered Mother's Custody Conference and the need for expertise in handling domestic violence in custody disputes.

The panelists discuss the systemic issues in family courts that often fail to protect victims of domestic violence and their children. They highlight the lack of current research and the influence of fathers' rights groups on court decisions. Goldstein emphasizes the need for domestic violence experts in court and the importance of focusing on child custody issues within the broader context of domestic violence.

The speakers address the common mistakes made in custody cases involving domestic violence. They discuss the mishandling of cases by evaluators who lack expertise in domestic violence and child abuse. The courts' reliance on flawed practices and the tendency to favor abusive fathers are critiqued. The panelists also mention a study from Duchess County, New York, which revealed the negative impact of the current custody court system on preventing domestic violence.

The panelists discuss the significance of the ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study and the Saunders study in understanding the long-term effects of domestic violence on children. They stress the importance of recognizing the impact of stress and fear on children's lives and the need for courts to consider these factors in custody cases. The speakers also highlight the connection between domestic violence and the higher risk of lethality.

The discussion continues with the issue of gender bias in the courts and the incorrect assumptions that mothers often make false reports of abuse. The panelists criticize the use of non-probative behaviors to discredit true reports of abuse and the reliance on the myth of parental alienation. They argue for the need to educate court professionals about the dynamics of domestic violence and the importance of ACEs in understanding the full impact of abuse on families.

The panelists emphasize the importance of understanding the impact of domestic violence on children, including the stress and fear they experience. They discuss the role of ACEs in determining the long-term health and social problems that children may face. The speakers also address the issue of child sexual abuse allegations and the need for proper handling of such cases in the court.

The speakers call for the use of scientific research, such as the ACE and Saunders studies, to inform custody case decisions. They discuss the need for reforms in the court system to prevent the recurrence of common mistakes made by evaluators. The panelists also mention the role of legislators in driving these reforms, especially when courts are reluctant to change.

The panelists discuss the importance of collaboration between domestic violence advocates and the legal system. They highlight the value of expert witnesses in custody cases and the need for attorneys to be well-versed in the research related to domestic violence. The speakers also touch on the challenges faced by same-sex couples in custody disputes and the unique dynamics involved.

The panelists conclude the presentation by reiterating the importance of the research and the need for systemic change within the court system. They express gratitude for the opportunity to discuss these critical issues and encourage further dialogue and action to protect children in custody cases involving domestic violence.