Judgment was handed down today in the case of Re H-N and Others (Children) (Domestic Abuse: Finding of fact hearings) [2021] EWCA Civ 448. Led by Amanda Weston QC, Dr Charlotte Proudman represented two of the four appellant mothers at the substantive appeal hearing. All of the cases concerned the family court’s approach to allegations of rape, domestic abuse and coercive control. The Court of Appeal has provided more general guidance about matters which commonly arise in the Family Court concerning such allegations that detrimentally impact upon a child’s welfare and safe contact with an abusive parent.
Dr Proudman had successfully applied for permission to appeal, out of time, in three of the four linked appeals, Re B-B, Re H and Re T. At the substantive appeal hearing, Dr Proudman was successful in overturning a consent order in the case of Re B-B in which the mother was coerced to accede to. Dr Proudman continues to work closely with political leaders in amending the Domestic Abuse Bill, particularly calling for mandatory judicial training in coercive control and domestic abuse for all judges in the family courts.
Related barristers: Dr Charlotte Proudman
