What happens when the very experts meant to protect our children can't identify the abuse that's harming them? 

Australian research from the University of Queensland delivers a shocking revelation: children exposed to coercive control have more than double the odds of developing PTSD compared to their peers. The trauma isn't theoretical - it manifests as anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicidality, and substance abuse disorders that can shadow them throughout their lives. 

Yet every day, family court professionals across Australia fail to recognise these harmful patterns. Instead, they mislabel abuse as "conflict" or "communication difficulties," creating recommendations that significantly expose children to ongoing coercive control.

The system's failures create a particularly cruel form of class discrimination. Wealthy families can challenge problematic reports in the court system, albeit at enormous financial cost, while those relying on legal aid often face pressure to accept harmful arrangements when told they have "no legal basis" to fight. Your child's protection from abuse patterns shouldn't depend on your bank account, but it often does.

Ready to better protect your children? Download our free Post-Separation Abuse Checklist and Workbook to document the very patterns professionals consistently miss, and learn practical strategies through our Capacity Challenge and Common Mistakes Guide - both available in the 'resources' section of the website, danielleblackcoaching.com.au

 While we work toward systemic reform, these tools can help you advocate effectively within the current flawed system. Your children's safety isn't too much to ask - it's the bare minimum they deserve.

About Danielle Black:

Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia, helping parents cut through professional pressure and harmful myths to make decisions based on what children actually need.

Having navigated her own complex separation and divorce, and guided hundreds of clients to successful outcomes, Danielle provides evidence-based strategies that challenge inappropriate arrangements and put children's wellbeing first.

The Post-Separation Abuse Podcast helps listeners to understand the nuances of ongoing control and other forms of abuse after separation, and challenges harmful myths about post-separation parenting and provides evidence-based guidance for protective parents.

Ready to transform your approach to parenting after separation?

Join The Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint™ waitlist for exclusive early access, early bird pricing, and instant free mini-guide and private podcast episode: danielleblackcoaching.com.au

Follow Danielle on Instagram: @danielleblackcoaching

MORE SUPPORT (within Australia):

1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732

Lifeline: 13 11 14

13 YARN: 13 92 76 (24/7 crisis support phone line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples)

*This podcast is provided for educatio...