It’s All Your Fault: High Conflict People Child Abuse Allegations: Finding Truth and Safety in Family Court with Dr. Wendy Bourg
Jul 10, 2025
In this engaging discussion, clinical psychologist Dr. Wendy Bourg, who specializes in high-conflict family situations, delves into the complexities of child abuse allegations in family courts. She shares insights on maintaining child safety while preserving crucial parental attachments. The conversation also addresses how legal professionals can navigate emotional challenges and avoid common pitfalls when investigating claims. Dr. Bourg highlights innovative approaches and research findings that compel a reevaluation of traditional beliefs about these sensitive issues.
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Emotional Tribalism in Abuse Cases
- Allegations of child sexual abuse trigger emotional tribalism, categorizing people into victim, perpetrator, or rescuer. - This emotional response clashes with the forensic court environment demanding calm, fact-based evaluation.
False Accusation Case Example
- A case involved a father falsely accused of child sexual abuse, causing a seven-month no-contact order. - Evidence later showed the accusations were fabricated by the mother and disproved by key witnesses.
Statistics on Abuse Allegations
- Research shows about 40% of child abuse allegations are unfounded or indeterminate, 2-5% intentionally false, and 10-15% higher in high-conflict divorces. - Distinguishing honest mistaken beliefs from malicious falsehoods is complex yet crucial.
