A new report has been published that claims to show evidence of systemic victim-blaming and gender bias in family court judgments.
This report is called Scratching the Surface and it is the work of Right to Equality. It examined a total of 91 judgments in family courts and found examples of victim-blaming in 72.5% of them. This adds up to a total of 530 incidents. The report also claims most of the victim-blaming examples provided came from the judges in the cases.
When it comes to the types of victim-blaming allegedly uncovered in the judgments, the majority were classified as ‘discrediting’. These made up 233 of the total number of incidents, while ‘behavioural blame’ accounted for 173 incidents and ‘trivialisation’ for 99.
The report states this evidence amounts to a consistent but subtle gender bias. It points to examples of actions by mothers being subject to greater criticism and examination than those of fathers.
Right to Equality has presented its findings to MPs. It is calling for more judgments to be published and for the judiciary to undergo gender bias training. Family law barristers in North Wales may want to read the report too, as it could be useful when preparing cases.
Although reforms such as the Domestic Abuse Act 2021 have been introduced, it is claimed in the report that the attitudes of judges have not undergone sufficient change alongside them.
Here at Bennett Smith Solicitors, we are experts in all aspects of family law in North Wales. Call now to book an appointment.
