Australia's family courts 'inhumane' to abuse victims, inquiry hears

An Australian federal inquiry has heard the family law system is "inhumane," with mothers who disclose domestic violence losing their children to alleged perpetrators at an alarming rate. The Family Court Accountability Network (FCAN) called for a complete overhaul to ensure the safety of women and children. FCAN founder Janine Rees told the inquiry that lawyers often advise victim-survivors not to disclose abuse because it "goes very badly" for them in court. Analysis of 20 Magellan List judgments found 70% of people who disclosed using violence were granted sole parental responsibility, while advocate Lily Fetter described "cold swaps" where mothers are marched out without saying goodbye. Both advocates urged a shift to an inquisitorial, child-centred system led by domestic violence professionals. The attorney-general's office acknowledged the claims, noting training is offered to judges and lawyers, but said any move to an inquisitorial system would be a significant government decision.