Andrew Leong and Sian Cox in CA, CB and CC (Fact Finding: Coercion and Sexual Abuse) [2025] EWFC 29 (B)
14th Mar 2025 | Cases
Andrew Leong, instructed by Reeds, for the children and Sian Cox, instructed by Fort & Co, appeared for the mother in CA, CB and CC (Fact Finding: Coercion and Sexual Abuse) [2025] EWFC 29. HHJ Case made very serious findings that the father had coercively controlled the mother, including forcing her to take cocaine to facilitate rape and other non-consensual sexual activity and two instances of non-fatal strangulation.
The evidential matrix of the case was unusual as most of the details of the abuse came from reports made by the mother to professionals rather than from her directly. Mother also required the assistance of an intermediary and special measures to give evidence. There had been late disclosure of significant relevant materials from the police and others. However, the judge was able to assess the credibility of all the witnesses and other evidence and make the majority of the findings sought.
Both the judgment and the preceding work by professionals are a good example of best practice in supporting a victim of domestic abuse to report the same and seek appropriate protective measures.
