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The Abuse Doesn't Always End When The Relationship Ends
We need to talk about the victims that nobody wants to talk about. Domestic abuse is not exclusively a women’s issue. Men can be victims. Women can be perpetrators. Children can become victims too. The latest ONS figures for England and Wales estimate that 1.5 million men experienced domestic abuse in the year ending March 2025, alongside 2.2 million women. Overall, around 3.8 million adults experienced domestic abuse. The Crime Survey - Domestic abuse victim characteristi
Deanna Newell
Aug 93 min read


When “High Conflict” Isn’t Conflict: Why Family Justice Must Recognise Post-Separation Coercive Control
By Deanna Newell, Founder of DN Family Law Every week at DN Family Law, we hear from parents who tell remarkably similar stories. Their relationship has ended, but the conflict has not. One parent is trying to rebuild life after separation. The other continues to use the children as a means of power, control, intimidation or punishment. Too often, these cases are dismissed as simply being “high conflict.” however conflict and coercive control are not the same thing. Conflict
Deanna Newell
Aug 87 min read


The End of Assumptions: Why Family Justice Must Become Evidence-Based
Executive Summary The proposed changes in the Courts and Tribunals Bill 2026 could represent one of the most significant reforms to private family law in a generation. Removing the presumption of parental involvement provides an opportunity to create a more evidence-based family justice system. However, legislative change alone will not resolve the wider challenges faced by modern families. A modern family justice system requires earlier identification of risk, improved safeg
Deanna Newell
Aug 77 min read


Justice Must Listen to Victims: Why Family Justice Needs Early Risk Assessment
I fully support Claire Waxman OBE’s call for victims’ voices to remain central when decisions are made about the justice system. The pressures facing the prison system are real, but so are the rights, safety, and confidence of victims and survivors. Promises made to victims must be delivered. A justice system cannot maintain public trust if those who have experienced harm do not feel heard, protected, or recognised. The same principle must apply within the family justice syst
Deanna Newell
Jul 262 min read
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