Supporting Survivors through Family Courts

What is it all about?

Attending the Family Court causes worry and anxiety for survivors, from giving evidence to meeting the perpetrator who frequently use the family court process as a further opportunity to abuse the non-abusive parent and the children. There is also the very real risk of system generated trauma facilitated by the current structure of the court and children and family court advisory and support service (CAFCASS).

This course explains the remit of the family court, the court support available for survivors of domestic abuse and the processes available to support the survivor feel safe whilst they are engaging with the court system.

The course also considers the experiences of survivors and the lessons to be learnt in supporting survivors through the family court. The course also looks at choosing a family solicitor and financial support through Legal aid.

Who would find it useful?

This course is ideal for individuals providing frontline support to survivors of VAWDASV who may interact with the family court.

Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the main issues and barriers within the family court, how it works and the different professional roles in order to be able to confidently explain the process to survivors, enabling them to participate fully in court proceedings.
  • Be able to identify and request the right support to assist survivors in the court process, understand the special measures available in court and the role of the Dedicated Court Support (e.g., Court IDVA, ISVA, McKenzie Friend)
  • An appreciation and understanding of the role of Legal Aid, the Code of Practice for Victims of Crime in England and Wales (Victims’ Code) and other Government initiatives to support survivors in court proceedings.

 

For more information about this course or to book the training, please contact us at [email protected].