Centering Children: Recognizing Domestic Violence When Determining Custody

One of the most challenging issues for judges and court-related professionals to work through are allegations of domestic violence and alienation in parenting disputes. Often one parent raises allegations of domestic violence and the other parent responds that the allegations are false or exaggerated in an attempt to undermine their relationship with the children.  This podcast delves into parental alienation and domestic violence when determining custody.

*Transcript available upon request.

Guest Bios:

Peter Jaffe is a Psychologist and Professor in the Faculty of Education at Western University and the Director Emeritus of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children at Western University. He is the Director Emeritus for the London Family Court Clinic, a children’s mental health centre specializing in issues that bring children and families into the justice system in London, Ontario. Dr. Jaffe has co-authored ten books, 29 chapters and over 80 articles related to domestic violence, the impact of domestic violence on children, homicide prevention and the role of the criminal and family justice systems.

Dr. Linda Baker is a Psychologist, Assistant Professor – Standing Appointment, and the former Learning Director of the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children at Western University. Dr. Baker led the Learning Network and the Knowledge Hub at the Centre for Research & Education on Violence Against Women & Children. She has over 25 years of experience in the mental health and justice systems, working with and learning from children, youth and families dealing with experiences of violence and trauma. Dr. Baker has co-authored numerous publications/resources related to intimate partner violence exposed children and families.