17 January 2025
Protect Children - Bring Transparency to Family Court Proceedings in Ireland

Protect Children

Article 4 of the Istanbul Convention states 'Parties shall take the necessary legislative and other measures to promote and protect the right for everyone, particular women, to live from from violence in both the public and the private sphere.'

Even though Ireland ratified the Istanbul Convention in 2019, it's still failing to implement necessary measures to ensure people get to live free from violence and abuse.

There is an urgent need for systemic changes within the Irish Family Court System so that victims are protected, and the best interests of children involved are prioritised. Family Court must uphold the safety of ALL victims of Domestic Abuse, especially children.

At present Family Court rulings:

-ignore Domestic Abuse, Child Abuse and Sexual abuse, or deem it irrelevant or historic

-force children into unsupervised access with their abuser, including sexual abusers

-ignore the voice of the child

-ignore or downplay individualised special needs of children with neurodivergence /disability

-decisions are based on opinions of unregulated 'experts'

-punish parents for trying to protect their children

-enable perpetrators to continue their abuse Post Separation

-ignore Perjury - even though it is a crime, it remains unpunished

-Fail to ensure Tulsa promote the safety and well-being of children

After conducting three reporting pilot programs in the UK, the decision has been made to lift the in-camera rule in family courts across England and Wales, effective January 27, 2025.

THIS MUST HAPPEN IN IRELAND.

It's time for the 'in camera' rule to be abolished (in line with GREVIO guidelines). This will ensure best practices and fair, unbiased judgement at all times. The identity of all individuals can remain confidential, even if the in camera rule is lifted.

The in-camera rule is in place to protect the identity and privacy of the parties and any children to whom the proceedings relate. However, in reality, Family Court corruption is allowed to be hidden and 'professionals' are not held to account.

Enough is enough. The public must be exposed to the Systemic Abuse that happens behind the closed doors of the Family Courts.

Please show your support by signing this letter.

Warmest regards,

Libertas Movement

30
signatures
29 verified
  1. Libertas Movement, Advocacy, Libertas Movement, Ireland
  2. DA Survivor, Ireland
  3. Post Separation Abuse Awareness, Advocacy, Ireland
  4. Mirela Arqimandriti, CEO, Gender Alliance for Development Centre, Tirana
  5. Shpresa Banja, President, Forumi i Gruas Elbasan, Elbasan
  6. Oltiana Andrea, Jurist, Human Rights in Democracy Center, Tirana
  7. Single Mother, Ireland, Mayo
  8. Leyla Suleymanova, Coordinator, Public Union “Clean World” Aid to Women, Baku
  9. Verein Feministische Alleinerzieherinnen - FEM.A, -, organization, Vienna
  10. Women's Room, Women's Room, Zagreb
  11. Anon, Domestic, Support Worker Ireland, Abuse
  12. Alla Gamakharia, Chairperson, Women Fund Sukhumi, Kutaisi
  13. Victoria Robertson BEM, CEO, Kaleidoscopic UK, Wokingham
  14. Jessica, France
  15. Olga Kikava, Project coordinator, Association Merkuri, Zugdidi
  16. Beyond the Margins, Activist, Beyond the Margins
  17. Tina Swithin, Advocate for family court reform, One Mom’s Battle, United States
  18. Jennie Snipes, Artist, Atlanta
  19. kimlee wong, biologist/trauma educator/dv advocate, family court hurts, Fort Alexander
  20. Janet Rhodes, Director, DASH-Domestic Abuse Survivor Help Inc, Kindersley
  21. Georgia Oikonomidou, Journalist, Halifax
  22. Louise Donohoe
  23. Kelly Palmer, Registered Nurse, S.A.N.E. (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner), Pullman, WA, USA
  24. My’relle Morris, GoodTempered, London UK
  25. Mags Smith
  26. Elaine Sanches, Operations manager, Hultsfred Vimmerby Shelter, Hultsfred
  27. Rachel Lamport, Carer, Limerick
  28. Daniel Monks, Unemployed, N/A, Kilfinane
  29. Nato Shavlakadze, Chairperson, Anti Violence Network of Georgia, Tbilisi