Oppressive family court laws & proceedings

1.    Child Custody and Visitation: Domestic violence victims may be denied custody of their children or have limited access to them if the court believes that they are not fit parents due to the abuse they have experienced. This can be particularly devastating for victims who have been forced to flee their homes and leave their children behind with their abuser. On the other hand, abusive partners may use custody battles to continue to harass and control their victims or to gain access to their children as a means of revenge.

2.    Parental Alienation: In some cases, abusers may make false claims of parental alienation against their victims, alleging that they are preventing the children from having a relationship with them. This can result in the court ordering increased visitation or custody for the abuser, despite evidence of abuse.

3.    Mediation: Family courts may require mediation between the victim and the abuser, even in cases of domestic violence, in an attempt to reach a compromise that is in the best interest of the children. However, this can be harmful to victims, as it can put them in a position where they are forced to negotiate with their abuser and may not receive adequate protection or support during the process.

4.    Lack of Understanding of Domestic Violence: Judges and court personnel may not have adequate training or understanding of domestic violence and its impact, leading to harmful or unfair decisions for victims. This can result in the court not recognizing the seriousness of the abuse or not providing appropriate protections, such as supervised visitation or restraining orders.

5.    Economic Abuse: Abusive partners may use financial abuse as a means of controlling their victims, and this can continue during family court proceedings. For example, abusers may refuse to pay child support or alimony, leaving victims financially dependent and unable to afford legal representation.

These are just a few examples of how family court laws and proceedings can oppress domestic abuse victims. It's important to note that family court can also be a place where victims can receive legal protections, such as restraining orders or supervised visitation, so it's important to work with experienced legal advocates to navigate the system.