B v E

B v E

The Mother’s allegations of domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, gaslighting, economic abuse, and physical abuse by the Father are not established on the evidence. The Mother’s evidence was inconsistent, not credible, and contradicted by contemporaneous documentation. The Father’s evidence was consistent, reflective, and supported by the evidence. There is no pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour by the Father. The Mother has pursued baseless allegations, and her conduct raises concerns regarding the child’s emotional welfare and possible safeguarding risks.

Parties
Applicant: B; Respondent: E
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
21 November 2024
Procedural Posture
Private Law Family Proceedings (child Arrangements) / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
All allegations against the Father dismissed; no findings of abuse or coercive control made against the Father.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Coercive Control, Child Arrangements, Fact Finding Hearings, Parental Alienation
Family Law Child Law Domestic Abuse Coercive Control Child Arrangements Fact Finding Hearings Parental Alienation

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Parties

B

Applicant

E

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Private Law Family Proceedings (child Arrangements) / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Father perpetrated domestic abuse (physical, emotional, psychological, economic) against the Mother and/or the child
  2. 2 Whether the Father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour
  3. 3 Whether the Father racially or culturally abused the Mother

Ratio Decidendi

The Mother’s allegations of domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, gaslighting, economic abuse, and physical abuse by the Father are not established on the evidence. The Mother’s evidence was inconsistent, not credible, and contradicted by contemporaneous documentation. The Father’s evidence was consistent, reflective, and supported by the evidence. There is no pattern of coercive or controlling behaviour by the Father. The Mother has pursued baseless allegations, and her conduct raises concerns regarding the child’s emotional welfare and possible safeguarding risks.

Court Disposition

All allegations against the Father dismissed; no findings of abuse or coercive control made against the Father.

Orders

  • Local authority to file and serve a section 37 report to explore safeguarding risks posed to the child by the Mother.