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In further regard the your comments about `False Allegations’, this is a commonly-held view which is not supported by the research or the relevant professional community and is therefore grossly misleading when offered to Family Courts.
The research [e.g. Monash University – Thea Brown et al] has consistently found that less than nine per cent (9%) of allegations made to Family Courts regarding allegations of child abuse and domestic violence can be shown to be `False’. Furthermore, such false allegations are made by fathers in 55% of such instances, therefore where such allegations are considered to be false, then fathers are responsible on the majority of occasions. It can therefore be said that believing in false allegations is a falsity and any court reporter [CAFCASS worker] who presents such a view does not presenting the views of the relevant professional community, unless they can present provable fact of such in specific instances.
Furthermore, Evidence Acts state clearly that children and young people are competent witnesses and their testimony must be treated as reliable and credible. Added to this is research which shows that when children disclose that they have been sexually abused, in ninety-six per cent (96%) of instances the child is being truthful. [Michael Stinson, MSPH, CHES Director of Prevention Services J.J. Peters Institute, Philadelphia]. This can reasonably be extended to instances where children report other forms of abuse.
It is further reasonable to assume therefore, that where children disclose or report abuse, that the child should be believed unless there is provable fact to the contrary and this would also be the view of the relevant professional community based on the research.