Assumption: "Attending a domestic abuse programme or course proves I've changed."
1 min readThis content reflects observational insights and lived community experiences. It does not constitute legal advice — always consult a qualified professional for your specific circumstances.
What People Expect
Parents often believe that completing a court-ordered programme or course is sufficient evidence of behavioural change and should lead to increased contact or shared care.
Court Reality
The court distinguishes between compliance (attending a programme) and genuine internalised change. A judge may accept that meaningful steps were taken but still conclude that ongoing attitudes and behaviours show deeper change has not yet occurred. Compliance alone does not demonstrate that the patterns of behaviour which caused harm have genuinely shifted.
Download the card and post it on Facebook, LinkedIn, or wherever you're active. Every share helps another litigant find this before their hearing.
The Gap?
"Attending a domestic abuse programme or course proves I've changed."
Court Reality
The court distinguishes between compliance (attending a programme) and genuine internalised change. A judge may accept that meaningful steps were taken but still conclude that ongoing attitudes and behaviours show deeper change has not yet occurred. Compliance alone does not demonstrate that the patterns of behaviour which caused harm have genuinely shifted.
Experienced a gap between what you thought you knew about family court and the reality? Share your own and get credited.
familycourtbridge.org
Navigating court alone?
A McKenzie Friend can help you make sense of this in the context of your own case.
Find your supportCookie Consent
We use essential cookies only to provide you with the best experience on our website. No tracking or analytics cookies are used.