‘I would expect the AFP to use force – if that means smashing doors down, dragging children out, putting them in handcuffs and whatever else is required, then unfortunately that will have to happen.’
These are the words of a Melbourne-based family court judge who was overseeing a custody case this year.
The Herald Sun published the statement today as part of an investigation into the forced removal of children from their protective mothers in order to place them with abusive fathers.
It is illegal to identify any party to a family court proceeding. If I were to identify this judge I could be fined or go to jail.
Women’s fears for their children’s safety are often ignored by the courts, with judges viewing legitimate concerns as attempts to alienate fathers.
When mums do not hand over children, they face going to jail.
Women are literally stuck between a rock and a hard place trying to keep children safe.
Judges are supposed to heed the Family Violence Best Practice Principles when domestic abuse is raised as a concern during a case.
I would really like to know what part of the guidelines encourage judges to legitimise Australian Federal Police hand-cuffing children and dragging them from their homes like they are violent criminals – not vulnerable traumatised at-risk kids!
FAMILY COURT SAYS POLICE CAN HANDCUFF CHILD ABUSE VICTIMS
