Scotland is a compassionate country, yet some mistake Scotland’s kindness for weakness and report our country to be a ‘soft touch’ when it comes to justice. Coercive control and domestic violence have been a burden on our economy and our society for years and it disproportionately affects women.
Category Archives: Latest News
Announcement: The Government’s Decision on Recourse
This week I met with Minister Alex Chalk, the Under-Secretary of State, and asked for the government’s position on a separate provision for survivors to access justice.
Family Courts: What will it take to end the abuse?
When domestic abuse victims leave a controlling and often violent relationship, they have two hopes; a peaceful life, free from pain, and a safe and healthy environment for their child. Their hopes get shattered when they enter the draconian family courts.
Northern Ireland Challenged to Defeat Domestic Abuse Injustice
Nobody expects to be disbelieved, especially after years of abuse. The abused are already speaking from a place of inequality and they are then made to feel that they are liars. This is exactly what happens to victims in the family court. Not only are they disbelieved, they are blamed for the very abuse that they suffered. This is unacceptable and one of the many factors that #thecourtsaidNI campaign is hoping to change.
Mariella Frostrup: victim-blaming does a disservice to survivors
I was deeply saddened, if not horrified, to read the unsound advice given by esteemed journalist, Mariella Frostrup, to a victim of coercive control in the Observer (6 September 2020). The victim had written to the publication about her desperate circumstances. She had split with her husband when their son was just three. Despite yearsContinue reading “Mariella Frostrup: victim-blaming does a disservice to survivors”
Victoria’s Appeal
“All the children who have gone before this review and all the cases currently still going through Family Court are still receiving the same barbaric, cruel treatment”.
Our Written Submission to the Government in Support of a Register of Interests for Scotland’s Judiciary
Public Petitions Committee / Justice Committee The Scottish Parliament Edinburgh EH99 1SP Date 7th September 2020 Written submission by The Court Said (Scotland) Petition PE01458 Register of Interests for members of Scotland’s Judiciary Dear committee members We are a group of domestic abuse survivors who have spent many years in the family court system. WeContinue reading “Our Written Submission to the Government in Support of a Register of Interests for Scotland’s Judiciary”
Injustice has Side Effects
Suzanne (not her real name) left her husband due to Domestic Abuse. She engaged with services who helped her move with the children to a place of safety. The children settled well at school and things were starting to look up. The Family Court papers arrived, but she managed to get some legal aid andContinue reading “Injustice has Side Effects”
Family Court Domestic Abuse Crisis: Charities Call for Recourse
Leading charities, organisations, academics, activists, and campaigners have backed the campaign’s call for justice, including Welsh Women’s Aid, Safelives, Paladin, White Ribbon and many more.
Family Court – The Land that Time Forgot
Caroline was a vibrant, talented woman who spoke her mind. A successful author, she married a well-connected man and they seemed to have the world at their feet. They went on to have three children, all boys. Caroline was a devoted mother. Her husband was a well-respected man in politics and law. But Caroline andContinue reading “Family Court – The Land that Time Forgot”
