Domestic Abusers May Seek Control through Child Custody | Collins ...

The ending of relationships, whether through divorce or other means of separation should present an opportunity to move on for both the couples and the children involved; however, when domestic violence is present in these relationships, moving on may not be the goal of the abuser.

For those that perpetrate domestic violence, control is often the main goal of their behavior, according to the National Coalition against Domestic Violence. When divorce or separation proceedings begin, an abuser may attempt to maintain control by manipulating the process.

Manipulation can come in the form of improperly painting a portrait of the victim as unstable and less competent as a parent. Because of the abuse suffered, the victim may be less able to overcome these allegations, whether through an inability to speak up due to fear or because of some mental impairment suffered through trauma.

The law and the courts of New Mexico seek by mandate to achieve the best interests of the child. Unfortunately, on occasion, New Mexico's "best interest of the child" standard used in child custody issues may actually help an abusive parent exert control over another parent.

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Source: http://www.jdsupra.com/post/documentViewer.aspx?fid=a7279bee-7049-47a8-97e3-0009ee6f74e8

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