Coral Slattery says Child Sexual Abuse Allegations are RARE!

Coral Slattery (Nemos Mum on Familylawwebguide) and Executive of Shared Parenting Council of Australia, SRL Executive and Executive of Family Law Reform Association says that it is rare for men now to be accused of sexually molesting their children in Family Law matters.

"Dear Michael

I’m sorry to be so late in answering your last email regarding comments made by Michael Green, Q.C.

Michael Green played an integral part in the Family Law reforms which were recently introduced into Australia and endorsed by our association. These innovative reforms have made it possible to move away from litigation and the court system with the introduction of 64 Family Relationship Centres throughout Australia, whose main focus is to encourage the use of early intervention through free counselling and mediation. From my understanding, less than 5% of cases now end up in the Family Court.

Might I add that we’ve now had the opportunity of looking back over three decades to see the damage done to children when parents are consumed by their own situation. Many of the children who have experienced family breakdown have grown up living in poverty because of the exorbitant costs associated with litigation and have been totally alienated from one half of their extended family, not to mention the social costs. This is why it is imperative that we do all we can to keep couples out of the Family Court where a judge will make a decision, rather than an agreement between the parents. We recognise the fact that changing the culture of marriage breakdown won’t happen overnight; in fact, it may take a decade for separating couples to realise that the welfare of their children is their first priority.

I note that you mentioned the case of Hal Ginges, a solicitor in Katoomba. Hal spoke at one of our meetings about 10 years ago on child sexual abuse allegations and we are fully aware of his case. We hold monthly meetings and I can say it is rare these days that we have anyone attending who has been accused of child sexual abuse. A few years ago it seemed to be the “norm” following marriage breakdown, but the courts have now tightened up on those allegations.

I hope that my comments are helpful to you in understanding what we’re trying to achieve. These are my own personal views, but would be endorsed by the majority of our members. Things are changing here in Australia and we’re optimistic about the future for family law reform. Our aim is to keep separating couples out of the Family Court and into counselling and mediation. However, it would be naïve of us not to recognise the fact that “one size does not fit all” and inevitably there will always be cases which have to go to the Family Court.

Take care

Coral

Coral SLATTERY

Honorary Secretary

FAMILY LAW REFORM ASSOC. NSW Inc.

Telephone 02- 9542 2459

e-mail: secretary@familylaw reform.org. au

Facsimile 02- 9521 3790

Website: www.familylawreform .org.au

P.O. Box 807, SUTHERLAND NSW 1499

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