Citation

Sheehan R. Aust. J. Soc. Issues 2021; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Australian National University)

DOI

10.1002/ajs4.172

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

This commentary responds to Webb et al.'s (Australian Journal of Social Issues, 2021) study of published judgements of allegations of child sexual abuse from the Family Court of Australia 2012-2019. The study offers important empirical data to inform critical debates about the challenges associated with legal decision making about children alleged to be at risk of sexual harm in the context of parental separation. The research findings form the outcomes of 521 published judgements highlight that more needs to be known about how to respond to alleged sexual harm, raised by a parent, to assist the court in identifying factors attached to cases and what are effective responses.

Language: en

Keywords

child sexual abuse; child welfare; decision making; family law; law reform