We kick off Family Court Awareness Month with Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko as we talk about their new book, Framed: Women in the Family Court Underworld. This collection of 22 women’s stories raises awareness about the systemic issues plaguing family courts, aiming to ignite awareness about the family court crisis by sharing the voices of those directly impacted.

In this episode, Dr. Cocchiola and Polacko highlight the deep-seated misogyny and financial exploitation within family courts, emphasizing that this isn't just a U.S. issue—it's a global crisis that affects women of all races, demographics, and socioeconomic backgrounds. This episode is a call for awareness and action. Together, we can advocate for systemic change to better protect victims and their children.

Featured topics:

• The family court crisis and how the assumption of justice often falls short, leaving victims unsupported (3:56 )


• How disclosure of abuse can lead to devastating consequences, including loss of custody (4:35 )


• Deeply rooted biases allow a system to profit from the suffering of women and children (5:41 )


• The danger and harm of reunification therapy and camps (18:19 )


• Kayden’s Law, enforcing legislation, and how everyone can join the fight for family court reform (22:51 )

Learn more about Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko:

Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola, DSW, LCSW, is a Coercive Control Educator, Researcher, and survivor. She is a tenured college professor teaching social work for the last 20 years. She has been a social justice advocate since 19, volunteering for a local domestic violence/sexual assault agency. Her expertise is in coercive control and the traumatic experiences of adult and child victims, researching and developing training on these topics nationally and internationally.

Amy Polacko is a Freedom Warrior - and is committed to helping women live life on their own terms during/after a toxic relationship or divorce. As a divorced single mom, she is passionate about coaching women one-on-one and founded the empowerment group Strong Savvy Women to provide support, inspiration, and guidance to single women. Amy is also an award-winning journalist who sheds light on women's issues including divorce, domestic abuse, coercive control, and singlehood.

Resources & Links:

Focused Strategy Sessions with Kate 

Phoenix Rising: A Divorce Empowerment Collective

Framed: Women In the Family Court Underworld for more information and workshops!

Dr. Cocchiola’s website

Amy’s website

Thanks to our sponsor: Future Fans

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DISCLAIMER: THE COMMENTARY AND OPINIONS AVAILABLE ON THIS PODCAST ARE FOR INFORMATIONAL AND ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY AND NOT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL OR PSYCHOLOGICAL ADVICE. YOU SHOULD CONTACT AN ATTORNEY, COACH, OR THERAPIST IN YOUR STATE TO OBTAIN ADVICE WITH RESPECT TO ANY PARTICULAR ISSUE OR PROBLEM.

Episode Link:

https://kateanthony.com/podcast/episode-298-framed-women-in-the-family-court-underworld-with-dr-christine-cocchiola-and-amy-polacko-family-court-awareness-month