No one can reasonably expect a child to be removed from a happy, stable environment with their mother from one day to the next without it having a profound impact on that child. No child psychologist would support the current practices in family courts, where residency is changed from a mother reporting domestic violence to the father accused of abuse.

Such decisions can lead to severe attachment issues, anxiety, and depression in children. These outcomes are avoidable if the courts prioritize the best interests of the child and the evidence provided by mental health professionals. It’s time for the family court system to recognize the long-term damage caused by these misguided decisions.