FM v MK

FM v MK

The father was abusive to the mother through verbal abuse, physical intimidation, threats, coercion for sexual engagement, rape, emotional manipulation, isolation, and financial control; these behaviours formed a pattern of coercive and controlling acts intended to harm, punish, and subordinate the mother, depriving her of independence and regulating her everyday behaviour. The father continued abuse post-separation through litigation, tracing, and repeated unfounded applications. The children, principally D, were exposed to harm from the father's behaviour.

Parties
Applicant: FM; Respondent: MK
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
01 March 2025
Procedural Posture
Children Act Proceedings (fact Finding Hearing) / Judgment After Fact Finding Hearing
Outcome
Findings made against the father for domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, rape, financial control, and exposing children to harm; allegations by father against mother not proved.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Child Welfare, Financial Control, Sexual Abuse, Emotional Manipulation, Contact Arrangements
Family Law Child Protection Domestic Abuse Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Child Welfare Financial Control Sexual Abuse Emotional Manipulation +1 more

Case Brief

Summary, issues, holding and outcome

More case intelligence is available

Unlock the full research layer for this judgment.

Full judgment text Downloadable case file Legal principles 1 Authorities cited 3 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 1
Sign in to unlock

Parties

FM

Applicant

MK

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Children Act Proceedings (fact Finding Hearing) / Judgment After Fact Finding Hearing

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the father perpetrated domestic abuse, including coercive and controlling behaviour, against the mother
  2. 2 Whether the mother fabricated allegations against the father
  3. 3 Whether the children were exposed to harm from the father's behaviour

Ratio Decidendi

The father was abusive to the mother through verbal abuse, physical intimidation, threats, coercion for sexual engagement, rape, emotional manipulation, isolation, and financial control; these behaviours formed a pattern of coercive and controlling acts intended to harm, punish, and subordinate the mother, depriving her of independence and regulating her everyday behaviour. The father continued abuse post-separation through litigation, tracing, and repeated unfounded applications. The children, principally D, were exposed to harm from the father's behaviour.

Court Disposition

Findings made against the father for domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, rape, financial control, and exposing children to harm; allegations by father against mother not proved.

Orders

  • Findings to be used in welfare evaluation for future proceedings
  • No finding that mother fabricated allegations