Survivor Family Network, UCL and Brunel University London invite you to a conference hosted by UCL to explore the barriers to achieving the safety and wellbeing of child and adult survivors of domestic abuse involved in family court proceedings and how these can be overcome.
- When: 11 Nov 2023, start 10 AM
- Where: University College London
The prevalence of domestic abuse in private law family court proceedings involving disputes between divorcing or separating couples over post-separation arrangements for their children is considerably higher than in the general population. Annually, up to an estimated 32,400 child arrangements cases in England and Wales involve domestic abuse. A substantial body of research shows that child contact arrangements can be the key site for continued, more serious abuse. In the international context, latest statistics show that 88% of ‘taking’ parents involved in proceedings under the 1980 Hague Convention are primary carers, the vast majority of whom are mothers, and it is estimated that 75% of Hague Convention cases involve allegations of domestic abuse.
This full-day conference aims to assist professionals in developing a deeper understanding of current issues for child and adult survivors of domestic abuse involved in family court and Hague Convention proceedings, and how law and practice could be transformed to develop a trauma-informed family justice system that prioritises their needs and welfare and amplifies the voice of the child. It will provide a valuable opportunity to build new connections and learn from others, with refreshments throughout the day and lunch.
Keynote speakers:
- Professor Rosemary Hunter, Kent University
- Danielle Pollack, National Family Violence Law Center, Goerge Washington University
- Dr. Charlotte Proudman, Goldsmith Chambers and Founder of Right to Equality
Panel 1: Lawfare and Post Separation Abuse - experts
- Chair: Natalie Page, Survivor Family Network
- Kathryn Spearman, John Hopkins School of Nursing
- Dr. Aleisha Ebrahimi, UCL School of Law and Senior Policy Advisor of the Domestic Abuse Comissioner
- Dr. Emma Katz, Associate Professor, Durham University
Panel 2: Child Removal and Experts - survivors
- Chair: Dr. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, Associate Professor, UCL
- Dr. Rachael Grey, CEO Founder of Project Lighthouse
- Survivors
Panel 3: Hague Abduction Convention and Migration
- Chair: Kim Fawcett, Lecturer, Brunel University London
- Dr. Adrienne Barnett, Reader, Brunel University London
- Anita Gera, Hague Mothers
- Dr. Sonja Ayeb-Karlsson, Associate Professor, UCL