Parents go against family court orders after children ‘traumatised’ | ABC NEWS

A mother who made allegations of domestic violence and child abuse had her children removed from her until they were 18, with the family court ordering full custody to the father.

But in an extraordinary turn of events, the father returned the children to their mother, claiming the court got it wrong.

Both parents told the ABC the court did not act in the best interests of their children.

It comes as exclusive research finds Family Court judges don’t have access to the rigorous specialist assessment required to conclude, on balance of probabilities, whether child sexual abuse did or did not occur in most of the matters before them.

The family court says it has made extensive reforms in recent years to improve training for court staff around domestic violence.

Video by Heidi Davoren and Adelaide Miller for ABC Specialist Reporting Team. Video edit by David Douglas Stuart for ABC News Social Media Team.

Family and domestic violence support:
1800 Respect national helpline: 1800 737 732
Women’s Crisis Line: 1800 811 811
Men’s Referral Service: 1300 766 491
Lifeline (24-hour crisis line): 131 114
Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277
NSW Domestic Violence Line: 1800 656 463
Qld DV Connect Womensline: 1800 811 811
Vic Safe Steps crisis response line: 1800 015 188
ACT 24/7 Crisis Line: (02) 6280 0900
Tas Family Violence Counselling and Support Service: 1800 608 122
SA Domestic Violence Crisis Line: 1800 800 098
WA Women’s Domestic Violence 24h Helpline: 1800 007 339
NT Domestic violence helpline: 1800 737 732

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