Hi guys,
I’m a single mother seeking guidance on coercive control and post-separation abuse and what it will take to present a successful argument in family court.
Last year, I petitioned my 9-year-old’s father for custody after enduring many years of post-separation abuse that included emotional, financial, and psychological abuse, as well as textbook coercive control. His behavior has been relentless and manipulative, not just toward me but in ways that negatively impact our child.
I’ve meticulously saved significant written evidence spanning many years, which clearly demonstrates a severe and ongoing pattern of abusive behavior. This evidence also shows his complete inability to co-parent collaboratively, putting my child’s well-being and stability at risk.
Unfortunately, the attorney I originally hired—someone I thought I could trust—told me that he was not willing to make a case for coercive control and post-separation abuse in court. I released him, but I’m now back to square one and feeling so overwhelmed.
For those of you who’ve navigated similar situations, I would love your advice on:
- Strategies to ensure that my evidence is presented clearly and compellingly to a judge.
- Whether you’ve seen cases involving coercive control and post-separation abuse successfully argued in family court, and if so, what factors seemed to make the difference?
- Recommendations for Florida-based attorneys who specialize in cases like mine.
As a journalist, I plan on doing everything I can to advocate for changes to current law. It is devastating to consider that victims have no way of protecting themselves from abusers like this because it is non-violent.
Evidence of Abusive Behavior:
- Persistent Emotional and Verbal Abuse: Derogatory language aimed at belittling and demeaning.
- Pattern of Financial Abuse and Control: Financial threats and manipulations reflecting intent to exert power.
- Gaslighting and Denial of Responsibility: Shifting blame and undermining perceptions.
- Use of Threats and Intimidation: Threats to limit access to resources critical for well-being.
- Disregard for Child Welfare: Using the child’s needs as leverage for control.
- Attempts to Socially Isolate: Threats to damage reputation and socially isolate.
- Pattern of Escalation Over Time: Increasing severity of threats as correspondence progresses.
- Contrasting Communication Styles: Hostile language from him versus calm responses from me.
- Potential Long-Term Psychological Impacts: Effects of sustained emotional abuse on mental health.
Conclusion: A Clear Pattern of Abuse and Coercive Control
The evidence demonstrates a clear pattern of emotional abuse, financial control, intimidation, and manipulation. Presenting this pattern in court could illustrate to a judge the extent of his abusive behavior, strengthening my argument for legal protections and adjustments to custody or support arrangements.