Home About Services Expertise Insights Research Just Science Community Contact Us
Research Literature

Mission Driven Science. Evidence-Based Truth.

A curated library of peer-reviewed research, international policy guidance, and investigative reporting that forms the empirical foundation of IOFS's work — protecting families through science, not speculation.

The Institute of Forensic Science is a mission-driven, research-centered organization dedicated to advancing public health, protecting vulnerable families, and strengthening the integrity of forensic and judicial systems through education and scientifically sound service provision. This curated research library reflects critical scholarship, investigative reporting, and international guidance on domestic violence and child abuse issues in the family court context. It exists to support professionals, policymakers, and families seeking evidence-based insights grounded in science and facts — not speculation.

30+
Peer-Reviewed
Studies Referenced
5+
International
Organizations Cited
100+
Dr. Lee Peer-Reviewed
Articles Published
11+
Academic Books
Edited by Dr. Lee
IOFS Published Research
Peer-Reviewed Research
Peer-Reviewed
Bartlow, R. D. (2017). Judicial response to court-assisted child murders. Family & Intimate Partner Violence Quarterly, 10(1), 7–54.

This study documents cases where judicial decisions contributed to child homicides and analyzes systemic failures in court responses.

Peer-Reviewed
Dalgarno, E., Ayeb-Karlsson, S., Bramwell, D., Barnett, A., & Verma, A. (2024). Health-related experiences of family court and domestic abuse in England. Journal of Family Trauma, Child Custody & Child Development, 21(3), 1–28.

This research highlights severe health impacts on domestic abuse survivors involved in England's family court system.

Peer-Reviewed
Dichter, M. E., Thomas, K. A., Crits-Christoph, P., Ogden, S. N., & Rhodes, K. V. (2018). Coercive control in intimate partner violence. Psychology of Violence, 8(5), 596–604.

This article analyzes how coercive control shapes women's experiences of intimate partner violence and danger.

Peer-Reviewed
Ireland, G., Wijlaars, L., Jay, M., & Gilbert, R. (2024). Increased mortality among mothers involved in family court care proceedings compared with their peers in England. International Journal of Population Data Science, 9(5): 162.

This study finds that mothers in care proceedings face significantly higher mortality rates than similar mothers not in the system.

Peer-Reviewed
Johnson, M. E. (2008). Redefining harm, reimagining remedies, and reclaiming domestic violence law. UC Davis Law Review, 42, 1107–1180.

This article argues for reforming domestic violence law to better capture complex harms and improve protective remedies.

Peer-Reviewed
Karbasi, Z., Safdari, R., & Eslami, P. (2022). The silent crisis of child abuse in the COVID-19 pandemic: A scoping review. Health Science Reports, 5(5), e790.

This review identifies increased risks and reduced detection of child abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Peer-Reviewed
Kõlves, K. (2010). Child suicide, family environment, and economic crisis. Crisis, 31(3), 115–117.

This article explores how economic stress and family instability contribute to elevated child suicide risk.

Peer-Reviewed
Kuehn, B. M. (2020). Surge in child abuse, harm during COVID-19 pandemic reported. JAMA, 324(7), 621.

This news report summarizes rising concerns about increased child abuse during the pandemic.

Peer-Reviewed
Meier, J. S. (2020). U.S. child custody outcomes in cases involving parental alienation and abuse allegations: What do the data show? Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 42(1), 92–105.

This study shows that abuse claims often lead to unfavorable custody outcomes for the reporting parent, especially when parental alienation is alleged.

Peer-Reviewed
Saunders, D. G., Faller, K. C., & Tolman, R. M. (2011). Child custody evaluators' beliefs about domestic abuse allegations. U.S. Department of Justice. View Report

This report examines how custody evaluators' beliefs and training influence their handling of domestic abuse claims.

Peer-Reviewed
Sheehy, E., & Lapierre, S. (2020). Introduction to the special issue. Journal of Social Welfare and Family Law, 42(1), 1–4.

This introduction frames the issue's focus on family court challenges and the risks faced by abuse survivors.

Peer-Reviewed
Teicher, M. H. (2018). Childhood trauma and the enduring consequences of forcibly separating children from parents at the United States border. BMC Medicine, 16, 1–3.

This article reviews the lasting psychological and biological effects of forced parent–child separation.

Peer-Reviewed
Wilde, S., Sheeran, N., & Douglas, H. (2024). The psychological impact on mothers who have experienced domestic violence when navigating the family court system. Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 31(4), 764–791.

This review finds that mothers who have survived domestic violence experience significant psychological distress when engaging with family courts.

Government & Policy Resources
Government
Center for Judicial Excellence. (2024). U.S. child homicide data: 2008–present. View Resource

This resource compiles national data on child homicides related to custody and family court contexts.

Government
George Washington University. (2021). Draft summary: Overview of family court outcomes study. National Institute of Justice. View Report

This draft summary outlines preliminary findings on patterns and safety issues in U.S. family court outcomes.

Government
Resource Center on Domestic Violence: Child Protection and Custody. (2023). Facts. View Resource

This webpage provides key statistics on domestic violence, child protection, and custody-related risks.

Government
Siltala, H., et al. (2023). Domestic violence-related use of services and the resulting costs in health, social and legal services. Finland Prime Minister's Office.

This study estimates the broad economic costs created by domestic-violence-related service use across multiple sectors.

Government
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2010). Child Maltreatment 2010. View Report

This annual federal report provides national statistics on child abuse and neglect investigations and outcomes.

International Organizations & Treaties
International
European Parliament. (2021). European Parliament resolution of 6 October 2021 on the impact of intimate partner violence and custody rights on women and children. View Resolution

This resolution condemns custody practices that endanger women and children and calls for EU-wide reforms.

International
Šimonović, D., et al. (2019). Intimate Partner Violence against Women is an Essential Factor in the Determination of Child Custody. United Nations Human Rights Council. View Statement

This UN statement asserts that intimate partner violence must be prioritized in custody determinations to safeguard women and children.

International
United Nations. (2023). Custody, violence against women and violence against children: Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls. View Report

This UN report warns that custody practices worldwide often expose women and children to ongoing violence.

International
World Health Organization. (2020). Global Status Report on Preventing Violence against Children 2020. View Report

This global report evaluates countries' progress in preventing violence against children and identifies major gaps.

International
World Health Organization. (2021). Global, Regional and National Prevalence Estimates for Intimate Partner Violence. View Report

This report presents comprehensive global estimates of intimate partner and non-partner sexual violence affecting women.

Books & Investigative Journalism
Book
Chesler, P. (2011). Mothers on Trial: The Battle for Children and Custody. Chicago Review Press.

This book examines systemic bias and legal struggles faced by mothers in child custody disputes.

Book
Shengold, L. (1991). Soul murder: The effects of childhood abuse and deprivation. Fawcett Columbine.

This book discusses the lifelong psychological damage caused by severe childhood abuse and emotional deprivation.

Investigative Report
Berger, P. (2014). Divorce is big business. Hawaii Business Magazine. Read Article

A journalistic overview shows how divorce has evolved into a multibillion-dollar industry with strong financial incentives.

Investigative Report
Friedman, G. (2019). Fatal court: "The harm to children in the nation's family courts has reached crisis proportions." Deseret News. Read Article

This investigative report argues that U.S. family courts routinely fail to protect children from preventable harm.

Investigative Report
Silberg, J. (2008). How Many Children are Court-Ordered into Unsupervised Contact with an Abusive Parent after Divorce? Leadership Council. Read Report

This report estimates the number of children placed into unsafe, unsupervised contact with abusive parents through court orders.

Investigative Report
Thomas, E. (2023). Family courts: Children forced into contact with fathers accused of abuse. BBC News. Read Article

This investigation reports that UK family courts frequently require children to have contact with fathers accused of abuse.

Stay Connected to Our Latest Research

Members of The Just Science Community receive continuous access to our latest research, legislative reform updates, and groundbreaking findings — ensuring every family is empowered with the data they need to advocate for their children.

Join The Just Science Community Request a Free Consultation