Press Conference to Kickoff Three Day Event - "7th Annual Battered Mothers/Child Custody Conference"

Mothers & Advocates Speak Out About Crisis in the Family Courts

ALBANY, NY (01/04/2010)(readMedia)-- Who: Women and children's advocates, and battered mothers.

Speakers include: Mo Therese Hannah, chair, Battered Mothers Custody Conference 1-518-210-2487

Marcia Pappas, President of National Organization for Women-New York State 1-518-452-3944

Irene Weiser, Executive Director of StopFamilyViolence.org 1-607-539-6856

Kathleen Russell, Center for Judicial Excellence, California

Protective mothers and more…

What: Leading experts from across the country will hold a press conference to kick off very important event in Albany, New York to discuss the crisis in our nation's family courts.

When: Friday January 8th, 2010, 12:00 noon

Where: Room 130 Legislative Office Building, Albany, NY (press room)

Why: Judge's order children to live with abusers and punish, silence, or jail the protective parent who tries to keep the children from harm. Experts will share information and exchange ideas about raising awareness to end this hidden atrocity. Advocates know that a variety of factors contribute to the problem – everything from gender bias to over-crowded courts, to poorly trained personnel to outright corruption.

This crisis has resulted in thousands of children being sent to live with abusers while safe, protective parents, primarily mothers, are denied any meaningful relationship with their children. The court system has failed to respond appropriately to domestic violence and child abuse cases involving custody. There are common errors made by the courts and the professionals they rely upon which contribute to these tragedies. These same mistakes have negatively impacted battered women and children.

The theme of this year's conference will be "Now that we know….what are we doing about it?" An action plan will be discussed. Workshop presenters will address ways that individuals can make a difference as well as collectively organizing to make social change. Activists will go home with skills and determination to change the face of family courts by learning ways to expose the problem and make demands on public officials to implement changes that will positively impact women and their children.