Confronting the Family Court Crisis with Dr. Bandy Lee

11/13/23 • 40 min

In this episode we explore the intricate dynamics of family courts with Dr. Bandy Lee. Dr. Lee, an expert in violence hailing from Yale School of Medicine and Yale Law School, as well as the current president of the World Mental Health Coalition, delves into the tactics used by domestic violence offenders within the legal system and the profound consequences these actions have on family courts.
Family courts, which are meant to be havens of justice and protection, can unfortunately turn into challenging battlegrounds for victims of domestic abuse. In many cases, abusive partners, predominantly fathers, exploit these systems to manipulate and distance their victims, typically mothers, from their children. This manipulation perpetuates a cycle of power and control that can have severe mental, emotional, and financial consequences. Dr. Lee's insights provide a sobering perspective on the unhealthy patterns that can emerge within these courtrooms.
Our discussion doesn't end at the courtroom doors. We will also shed light on the often-overlooked issue of reunification camps and the questionable practices that occur within them. Through an in-depth exploration of the Catherine Kassenhoff case, we aim to uncover the underlying problems within these institutions. As we wrap up our conversation, we will explore potential solutions to rectify these injustices and offer a preview of Dr. Lee's forthcoming book on the family court crisis.
The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those of the speaker(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.

Previous Episode

Navigating Trauma and Healing within Indigenous Communities

Have you ever paused to consider how your perception of Indigenous people is shaped by language and societal narratives? Our guest, Christina Love, challenges us to reevaluate these preconceptions as she candidly shares her journey. An Indigenous speaker, educator, survivor, and activist, Christina provides us with a raw account of her experiences with violence, addiction, and personal healing.
Love's personal narrative paints a vivid picture of the high rates of violence and addiction within Native American communities. She breaks down alarming statistics and the tragic history that has led to high rates of substance use disorders and trauma in tribal communities. Her insights extend to societal failures to protect victims, often leading to further victimization. We also delve into the Not Invisible Act and the missing and murdered Indigenous women's movement, revealing an urgent need for change.
As if her story isn't compelling enough, Love guides us to explore the body’s role in storing trauma, examining therapy, movement and reflection as catalysts for healing. There's emphasis on the significance of humor and parenting practices in surviving and revitalizing language. We also touch on the importance of organizations focusing on healing and the essential shift in thinking about addiction and recovery.

Next Episode

Family Court Failures: A Candid Exploration with Joan Meier

Family courts have a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of families, particularly those experiencing domestic violence. However, numerous systemic failures and hidden truths in these courts have recently come under scrutiny. This episode with Joan Meier, a distinguished lawyer and clinical law professor, aims to shed light on these significant issues.
Joan Meier has dedicated her career to rectifying injustices in civil cases, from contentious custody battles to protection orders. She has notably founded and worked with DV Leap, an organization instrumental in providing an essential lifeline to survivors of domestic violence. Despite their commendable efforts, considerable gaps in the legal system persist, emphasizing the urgent call for more resources to aid victims.
One significant issue discussed in this episode is the impact of domestic violence on child custody cases. Our conversation is fueled by insights from an extensive study on the denial of family violence in court. Family law sends mixed messages, with a high occurrence of abuse in child custody cases and a formidable struggle faced by victims in court. It's alarming how family courts handle abuse allegations, often dismissing or undermining them.
We also delve into the controversial subject of parental alienation. This theory, often misused to discredit mothers who allege abuse by their ex-partners, contributes to the gender bias present in family courts. The gender bias is not only reflected in the treatment of mothers expressing concerns about their children's safety but also in the significant emphasis on fathering, which can lead to harmful outcomes in custody cases.
The episode concludes with a passionate advocacy for better representation for children in family court, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging their voices., urging for improved training of court personnel, debunking alienation claims, and a more active role for appellate courts in protecting children from dangerous situations. This episode also underscores the urgent need for systemic change in the family court system, highlighting that the fight against domestic violence extends far beyond the household's walls.
The information discussed in this episode is a sobering reminder of the struggles faced by survivors of domestic violence in the family court system. It underlines the urgent need for changes to better protect and serve those who are most vulnerable. As Joan Meier aptly points out, there's a pressing need for systemic change in family courts, and we must continue to push for this to protect survivors and their children. The fight for justice continues, and we hope this conversation will inspire action and bring about much-needed reform in the family court system.

Podcast on Crimes Against Women - Confronting the Family Court Crisis with Dr. Bandy Lee

Transcript

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The subject matter of this podcast will address difficult topics multiple forms of violence and identity based discrimination and harassment . We acknowledge that this content may be difficult and have listed specific content warnings in each episode description to help create a positive , safe experience for all listeners .

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