When Family Court decisions perpetuate abuse: A testimony on institutional harm

Across the world, family courts are created as specialized systems meant to handle legal disputes concerning children and families. In Belize, the mission of the Family Court is stated as being, “To serve the public by offering a complete, professional, family centered service in a caring, committed and confidential manner based upon the principles of dignity and respect for all”. This mission is suggestive of the court as being a place of rights, respect, and resolution. Most of the complainants are women; but for many women – myself included – the Belize Family Court is experienced as a site of institutional harm and court–authorized gende…