Protecting Children: Evidence Management and Comparative Court Responses (Session 1)

Protecting Children: Evidence Management and Comparative Court Responses (Session 1)

This session examines how family courts across different jurisdictions respond to post-separation abuse and coercive control, with particular focus on protecting children caught in these dynamics. Elizabeth Dalgarno presents comparative research on family court responses in Brazil and England, revealing both promising practices and concerning gaps in how legal systems address post-separation coercive control when children are involved. Jenny Lohner discusses the critical evidence management and coaching needs for survivors navigating custody evaluations, offering practical strategies for helping protective parents document abuse patterns and present their cases effectively despite the challenges of family court systems. Lisa Fontes shares insights from her extensive experience as an expert witness on coercive control, addressing practice issues that arise when testifying in court about these complex dynamics. Together, these presentations illuminate the systemic challenges survivors face when trying to protect their children through legal systems, while also highlighting innovative approaches and tools that can improve outcomes for protective parents and their children in family court proceedings.