Be prepared for the challenges survivors will face
Advocates must understand various factors that will impact a woman’s family law case and the outcomes of her case in order to best support her as she navigates the system: trauma, family court culture, the lack of legal representation and legal bullying.
Trauma
The combination of past and ongoing abuse leads to trauma for many survivors, which can create challenges during family court proceedings.
- She may have difficulty concentrating on her case, listening to and retaining the information and advice that her lawyer is providing and/or accepting strategies that are presented to her.
- She may appear hard to get along with or unreasonable.
- She may engage in avoidance behaviours or be unreliable in terms of showing up for appointments or completing paperwork when required.
- She may appear disengaged or even uncaring about her children or the outcome of her case.
- She may make decisions that seem counterproductive to her best interests.
- She may even be hostile to those who are supporting her.
All of these behaviours can combine to sabotage a woman in family court, particularly if her abusive ex-partner – as is common – is charming and gracious to others, even while bullying her throughout the process.
Other factors
Family court specific factors will also impact her and her case.