How can this be implemented in family court proceedings in the future?
- Protection instead of forced cooperation – protection from violence (domestic violence, etc.) takes precedence over visitation rights
„Male violence does not begin with a punch in the face, but with a society and a state that create the space for violence.“ (Asha Hedayati, lawyer from Berlin, „Die Stille Gewalt“ – The Silent Violence)
Read more… Die Stille Gewalt – The Silent Violence
- Recognition of post-separation violence („coercive control” – surveillance, isolation, financial control, threats, verbal humiliation and psychological pressure) – instead of highly contentious parental conflict – guarantee immediate protection
„Domestic violence is practically non-existent for the family court.” (Carola Wilcke, Löwenmama – Lioness Mom „Mütter klagen an” – Mothers Accuse)
- It is not the mother who is „constantly under the burden of proof – coercion” – but rather, those who delay, sabotage, exert pressure, or threaten will be held responsible!
- Recognition of financial coercion – child support must not be subject to blackmail ( forced cooperation, intimidation, or making it contingent on good behavior) – instead, it should be paid out through neutral bodies (foundations, funds)
„What surprised and shocked me most was how easily all the principles of the rule of law can be thrown overboard in a court case.“ (Wolfgang Hammer, Hammer Study, „Mütter klagen an“ – Mothers Accuse)
Read more… Mütter klagen an – Mothers Accuse
„I wish every judge had the opportunity ton experience a child hearing from a child’s perspective; then many things would change.“ (Jennifer Nadolny, lawyer from Essen, „Tatort Familiengericht“ – Crime Scene Family Court)
- Contact with the other parent should not be at any cost – safety, reliability, and emotional stability take precedence. The young person’s wishes should always be respected – no forced visitation!
„Disregarding the child’s wishes fundamentally contradicts current developmental psychological and pedagogical knowledge.“ (Ludwig Salgo, family law expert „Mütter klagen an“ – Mothers Accuse)
- Institutions (family courts, youth welfare offices, expert witnesses, family support workers, legal representatives, visitation supervisors) should guarantee protection – instead of becoming the extended arm of violence and trauma!
Institutions need more time and more qualified knowledge in scientific advancements, educational developments, the psychology of young people, violence prevention, and modern communication technologies.
„There is a lack of evidence-based, continuously updated, and interdisciplinary knowledge among professionals.” (Stefanie Ponikau, MIA „Mütter klagen an” – Mothers Accuse)
„…more than enough people at the family court and in the youth welfare office who believe in outdated ideologies, are still influenced by authoritarian parenting methods, and are not at all professionally qualified to work with children, especially not with traumatized children. Not to mention their personal suitability.“ (Sonja Howard, child protection expert „Im Zweifel gegen das Kind.“ – In Doubt Against the Child))
Read more… Im Zweifel gegen das Kind – In Doubt Against the Child
- The parent providing care should be relieved of burdens, not burdened with them!
- Additional bureaucratic burdens by authorities (threats and coercive measures) should be avoided – instead, support services would be beneficial!
- Additional financial coercion by authorities (court fees, lawyer fees, etc.) should be avoided – instead, neutral foundations or funds would be appropriate!
„The family court system exploits you emotionally and financially as a parent, simply because you are trying to protect your children.” (Till Breuer, „Im Zweifel gegen das Kind” – In Doubt Against the Child)
- Health support – instead of constant mental overload and the relentless pathologizing
- Humanity ”empathy” – instead of legal and bureaucratic hurdles
„The parents are being treated with a severity that is no longer compatible with the Basic Law, especially the general freedom of action and self-development.” (Jennifer Nadolny, lawyer from Essen, „Tatort Familiengericht” – Crime Scene Family Court)
Read more… Tatort Familiengericht – Crime Scene Family Court
„You were violent towards your partner and the mother of your children. This demonstrates your inability to respect other people’s boundaries. Therefore, you are unfit to raise children. We would like your children to have contact with their father.
To achieve this, you urgently need to work on learning respect and upholding the integrity of others. If you can demonstrate this to us, we would be happy to consider future contact arrangements with the children.” (Christina Clemm, lawyer from Berlin, „AktenEinsicht” – File Review)
Read more… AktenEinsicht – File Review