Campaigning for gender equality under the law
Leading the movement for family court reform to protect every adult and child affected by abuse.
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The law that labels mothers fleeing abuse as international child abductors: In conversation with Ruth Dineen from Hague Mothers
The law that labels mothers fleeing abuse as international child abductors: In conversation with Ruth Dineen from Hague MothersCharlotte Richardson, in conversation with Ruth Dineen, founder of Hague Mothers, explores the key issues with Hague Convention proceedings and why we are campaigning for reform.
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“I see no reason why contact would not be enjoyable”: Why repealing the presumption of parental involvement cannot wait
“I see no reason why contact would not be enjoyable”: Why repealing the presumption of parental involvement cannot waitA new judgment highlights the deeply entrenched pro-contact culture in private family proceedings and raises questions about the use and influence of experts.
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Remorseful in family but unrepentant in criminal
Remorseful in family but unrepentant in criminalA post from Barrister, Eleanor Marsh. Eleanor raises concerns about a new judgment where a father shows apparent remorse in family court enabling him to progress contact but denies the same offences and blames the victim in criminal proceedings.
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A case that raises more than just the “administration of justice”: A letter to the Lady Chief Justice
A case that raises more than just the “administration of justice”: A letter to the Lady Chief JusticeAn open letter to the Lady Chief Justice in response to her judgement concerning the “administration of justice” in the Fordingbridge rape case where three boys convicted of 17 sexual offences against two girls were originally given non-custodial sentences.
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When judges get it wrong: Scrutiny for judges sentencing in the Crown Court
When judges get it wrong: Scrutiny for judges sentencing in the Crown CourtIn the wake of the Fordingbridge rape case, a criminal barrister examines the scrutiny of Crown Court sentencing decisions and the concerns the case has raised about judicial accountability.
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Protecting survivors standing for elections
Protecting survivors standing for electionsApsana Begum MP writes for Right to Equality about why she wants to change the law to ensure domestic violence survivors can access their democratic right to stand for election.
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Why Children Are Removed After Abuse Disclosures (And What Needs to Change): Reshare from The Heartbreak to Happiness Podcast
Why Children Are Removed After Abuse Disclosures (And What Needs to Change): Reshare from The Heartbreak to Happiness PodcastThis is the second in a two-part series, produced in partnership with Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach, where we look into the shocking subject of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales.
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When Children are Taken from Loving Parents After Abuse Disclosures (What’s Really Happening): Reshare from The Heartbreak to Happiness Podcast
When Children are Taken from Loving Parents After Abuse Disclosures (What’s Really Happening): Reshare from The Heartbreak to Happiness PodcastThis is the first in a two-part series, produced in partnership with Sara Davison, The Divorce Coach, where we look into the shocking subject of child removal in private family proceedings in England and Wales.
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Special Episode: Take the Stand; Open Justice for All—The Power of Being Heard
Special Episode: Take the Stand; Open Justice for All—The Power of Being HeardLucy sits down with Charlotte and Juliana to talk about their podcast and critical work in the fight for survivor justice. Charlotte explains how survivors are routinely charged thousands of pounds to obtain their own court transcripts—a deeply unjust barrier to healing, accountability, and justice.
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![⚠️ Content warning: this post discusses domestic abuse and its impact on mothers and children.
An international law written to protect children is now being used against them. Under the 1980 Hague Abduction Convention, a mother who flees domestic abuse across a border with her child can be branded an international abductor — with the child often returned within six weeks, with or without her.
Ruth Dineen, founder of Hague Mothers, explains that mothers are disproportionately targeted: around 75% of “taking parents” are mothers, and at least 78% raise allegations of domestic abuse. In one case, a judge ordered a child returned so the mother “must not benefit from her illegal actions” — handing her to a man she didn’t know, who spoke a language she didn’t understand.
This is the law working as written. That’s why it needs to change.
Read the full piece by Charlotte Richardson, in conversation with Ruth Dineen of Hague Mothers, on our blog.
If you or someone you know is affected by domestic abuse, the National Domestic Abuse Helpline is free and available 24/7 on 0808 2000 247.
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