Control and the Law Podcast

Are the family courts routinely ignoring or minimising allegations of domestic abuse? Join barrister, Sarah Ellis, Professor Jo Delahunty KC and Professor Rosemary Hunter KC (Hon) to discuss coercive control, whether allegations of domestic abuse should ever be treated as 'historic', how victims are treated in the court, how we can evidence domestic abuse better and whether the Pathfinder process is the panacea we're looking for.

In October 2025 the 'Everyday Business' report found allegations of domestic abuse are made in around three-quarters of private law cases. Yet, in only c. 4% of cases is there a finding of fact hearing.Prof. Jo Delahunty KC and Prof. Rosemary Hunter KC (Hon) join barrister, Sarah Ellis, to discuss the scale of the issue, the negative consequences of LASPO 2012 on legal representation and advice, the minimisation of harmful behaviours, the low status of domestic abuse and whether the current law is fit for purpose.This is part 1 of a 2 part podcast.Links:⁠Domestic Abuse and the Family Justice System: Law and Practice: Professor Jo Delahunty KC: Bloomsbury Professional - Bloomsbury Professional⁠⁠Everyday-Business-full-report-web.pdf⁠⁠Re H-N and Others (children) judgment⁠⁠Domestic Abuse Act 2021

Stalkers and controlling people are increasingly using the civil courts to continue their abuse and harassment of victims. Faced with little, if any, consequences for bringing vexatious and repeat claims we discuss the scale of the issue, who is affected and what can be done to help victims. Barrister, Sarah Ellis, is joined by the designate Victims' Commissioner, Claire Waxman OBE and solicitor, Rachel Horman-Brown KC (Hon) to discuss this urgent and chronic issue.