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Opinion: Judi-Beth Atwood--How to handle abuse of your child during divorce

Reporting abuse of a child during divorce becomes exceptionally difficult mainly because protective parents that listen to their children can loose custody when they report to law enforcement.
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This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.

Dear Protective Parent:

Reporting abuse of a child during divorce becomes exceptionally difficult mainly because protective parents that listen to their children can loose custody when they report to law enforcement. Children deserve an opportunity to be heard, even if the parents are divorcing. Gaslighting is a typical tactic for an abusive attorney to use against the protective parents that they want to silence.

Talk to a therapist, make a report to law enforcement and stay strong because abusive attorneys have a way of creating doubt for the courts and with CPS.

Colorado and its Family Courts come up short protecting children from abusers but never ignore a child whom claims they have been abused. Only 2% of abuse claims from children are untrue. It’s very important that you believe your child when you are told its equally important to notify law enforcement and a therapist.

If you have custody make an appointment for your child at MESA. They specialize in child sexual abuse. It’s important to get help for your child. If you lost custody never give up on your child. Contact your Attorney’s Generals Office ask to meet. Contact your Gov. Offices and ask for a meeting. Your objective is the safety of your child and never give up. When the abusive attorney can discredit and silence you essentially your child will suffer in silence.

Judi-Beth Atwood
Longmont CO 80501

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