The CT legislature must protect domestic abuse victims
It is every child’s right to live free from abuse.
When child abuse or neglect is reported, the Connecticut Department of Children and Families (DCF) investigates and evaluates it, and if necessary, they may remove the child from an abusive parent. The person reporting the abuse, whether a teacher, a neighbor, a relative or the other parent, does not have to pay for this. It is covered by the state.
During divorce proceedings it is different. Protective parents must pay their own attorneys to safeguard children who are abused by the other parent. Sometimes they must also pay a guardian ad litem for the child. This is expensive. Divorcing parents should not have to ruin their finances to protect themselves or their children from child abuse.
Sometimes it is the spouse rather than the children who is being abused. Consider the Tolland County stay-at-home mom who resumed her career as her kids grew older. As her career took off, her husband became increasingly jealous and abusive. Losing control over her, he demanded to read her emails, falsely accused her of having an affair, and alienated the children against her by badmouthing her. The children did not want to move from their home, so she was stuck with her abuser. Ultimately, her only option was to leave without her children, not knowing when she would see them again.