The Family Mediation Blog: October 2021

by Jennifer Hatch

 

Historically, divorce mediators have been encouraged to screen out cases involving intimate partner violence.  This approach presumes that mediation would harm rather than benefit victims of intimate partner violence (“IPV”).  Lawyers and IPV Advocates have also been discouraged from allowing their clients to participate in mediation when there are allegations of IPV, based on the same presumption.  However, isn’t it possible that we are doing a disservice to our profession and to families who have experienced the trauma of intimate partner violence when we deny them the same divorce process choices available to families who have not experienced intimate partner violence?

 

Imagine wanting a divorce because your spouse abuses you, but your spouse is a prominent member of your community…