26th April 2026
A new international call for evidence is shining a spotlight on how women and children are treated in UK courtrooms, raising serious questions about whether mental health labels are being used to undermine credibility in legal proceedings.
The initiative, led by the International Institute for Trauma & Abuse Studies (IITAS), is inviting women aged 18 and over—from anywhere in the world—who have been involved in family, criminal, or private law court cases to share their experiences.
The research focuses on what it describes as the “pathologisation” of women and children, examining how psychiatric language or mental health histories may be used during court proceedings, particularly in sensitive cases such as domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, and child protection disputes.
According to the call, the study aims to understand how often such framing occurs and whether it impacts outcomes by affecting how individuals are perceived in court. Organisers say the findings could help inform future legal reform, professional training, and government policy.
Participants are not required to be based in the UK, reflecting the global scope of the research. However, the themes raised are likely to resonate locally, as family court processes and safeguarding cases remain a key concern for many residents across areas like Romiley and the wider Stockport borough.
The project highlights ongoing debate within legal and advocacy circles about balancing mental health considerations with fair treatment in court, and whether current systems adequately protect vulnerable individuals.
Those interested in contributing can find more information and take part via the IITAS website.
As discussions around justice, safeguarding, and fairness continue, this latest initiative adds to growing calls for closer scrutiny of how courts handle some of the most complex and sensitive cases in society.
