Protection from child emotional abuse in family law parenting matters over two regimes of the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth): Policy, legislation and judicial reasoning

摘要

This thesis explored whether Australian family law adequately protects emotionally abused children in parenting matters. It explored the nature of child emotional abuse, and analysed two regimes of the Family Law Act 1975 and their political underpinnings. It analysed case law to understand judicial interpretation and application of the law. Applying social science understandings of child emotional abuse, this thesis found Australian family law – as embodied in legislation, case law, and policy - has not adequately dealt with this form of child maltreatment. Findings indicate the need to develop more robust approaches to child emotional abuse in family law matters.