NF v PJ

NF v PJ

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the Father was physically and emotionally abusive towards the Mother, engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour, and made threats to remove the child from the Mother’s care. The court did not find the allegations of sexual abuse proved. The Father’s abusive conduct caused significant harm to the Mother and emotional harm to the child, necessitating a risk assessment before any contact between the Father and the child can be considered.

Parties
Applicant: NF; Respondent: PJ
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
11 May 2025
Procedural Posture
Family / Fact Finding Judgment
Outcome
Findings of fact made; risk assessment ordered before any child contact.
Legal Topics
Domestic Abuse, Child Arrangements, Coercive and Controlling Behaviour, Fact Finding Hearings, Non Molestation Orders
Family Law Child Law Domestic Abuse Child Arrangements Coercive and Controlling Behaviour Fact Finding Hearings Non Molestation Orders

Case Brief

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Parties

NF

Applicant

PJ

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Family / Fact Finding Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Father was abusive towards the Mother during and after the relationship
  2. 2 Whether the Father engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour
  3. 3 Whether the Father physically, emotionally, or sexually abused the Mother

Ratio Decidendi

The court found, on the balance of probabilities, that the Father was physically and emotionally abusive towards the Mother, engaged in coercive and controlling behaviour, and made threats to remove the child from the Mother’s care. The court did not find the allegations of sexual abuse proved. The Father’s abusive conduct caused significant harm to the Mother and emotional harm to the child, necessitating a risk assessment before any contact between the Father and the child can be considered.

Court Disposition

Findings of fact made; risk assessment ordered before any child contact.

Orders

  • A risk assessment of the Father is to be conducted before any determination of contact with the child.
  • The Father is encouraged to accept the findings and enroll on a DAPP course.