Member Article

Arrangements for children affected by domestic abuse discussed

WITH domestic abuse related crimes accounting for approximately one in 10* of all crimes recorded by the police, the impact on children and families affected and the approach adopted by the Family Court was the focus of a recent seminar hosted by Gordon Brown Law Firm LLP (GBLF).

The GBLF Working with Children and Families Seminar, which was attended by over 80 representatives from the region’s leading organisations, charities, community and support groups also explored the tools and resources used to assess risk.

Andrea Aviet, author of White Sorrow, explained her own experiences of domestic abuse and how it had impacted on her life. Other speakers included Dr Helen Young, Clinical Psychologist, who described the signs and impact of parental alienation, Julie Richardson and Kate Clarkson, Barristers from Parklane Plowden Chambers, gave a thorough insight into the approach of the Court and Family Court Advisers from the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass) outlined how risk of harm to children was assessed.

Simon Dakers, Family Law Partner at GBLF, said, “With 20 percent of children in the UK having been exposed to domestic abuse** unfortunately, but unsurprisingly, this continues to be a common theme in family cases before the Courts. We felt that it was pertinent to focus on domestic violence and abuse at our annual family seminar, which brings together like-minded people in the region to promote understanding and encourage collaboration”.

“Andrea Aviet gave a very moving presentation around her personal experiences of domestic abuse and the impact that it has had on her and her children. Dr Helen Young gave a fascinating insight on parental alienation, while representatives from Cafcass shared details of their domestic abuse pathway and the process of risk assessment. To close the seminar Barristers Julie Richardson and Kate Clarkson gave a helpful overview into how domestic abuse is dealt with by the Courts”.

Andrea Aviet, author of White Sorrow, which tells her true tale of survival from an abusive marriage, added, “I was delighted to be involved with such a professional event focussing on a cause so close to my heart. It never gets any easier standing and telling a room of strangers what happened to me but, when you do, by the end they are your friends and if just one person benefits then my job has been done”.

“White Sorrow was written to help other women escape abuse and I am always available to help spread that message, especially with organisations like Gordon Brown Law Firm. They work tirelessly to raise awareness and supply a much-needed service to those in need.”

For more information on Gordon Brown Law Firm call 0191 388 1778 or visit www.gblf.co.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Gordon Brown Law Firm .