LexieCat

I thought I'd pass this web page along for anyone who is dealing with custody/visitation issues with an abuser. DVLEAP is the Domestic Violence Legal Empowerment and Appeals Project, which provides appellate assistance for DV victims who have been through the process to obtain a protective order or custody/visitation and wish to appeal the decision. The page to which I linked has a number of resources, including tips for pro se litigants (representing themselves) about how to make the best possible "record" in the trial court in the event an appeal is necessary.

DesertEyes

Thanks, Lexie, I added the link to the stickies, in the "How to leave" section.

Mike

LexieCat

Thanks, Mike. I think it's an awesome resource, and many of the lawyers who work with them are doing it pro bono. It's a great way to get the courts to realize the damage that abusers do to their children--even if they never lay a hand on the children themselves.

LemonGirl

When I went through custody with my ex I just wanted to reach out and strangle the judge and the mediator "don't you understand that this man is abusive!?!?! Why are you giving him so much custody?!?!

Unfortunately, with all the need for father's rights, it has turned around the other way now and many abusive fathers are now getting rights they shouldn't have simply because the courts see the ex-wife as "trying to keep the kids from him". Well, of course she is doing that! He is abusive!

Not all cases, of course.... but this scenario is an awful reality. It is my reality =(

LexieCat

Check out some of the links on that webpage, LG. There are some very interesting things there about so-called parental alienation syndrome and how much of a crock that really is. This organization is dedicated to fighting those things you experienced.

LemonGirl

AWESOME! He actually used that exact term! Thank you!!!

hopeful4

Awesome info Lexie!