When domestic violence is a two-way street, terminating both parents’ rights may be in the best interest of the child

Abstract

In the recent trial of Johnny Depp and Amber Heard, the phrase “mutual abuse” was used by the psychologist testifying on Depp’s behalf. Mutual abuse is a term sometimes used to assign accusations of instigation and abusive behavior to both people in a relationship, not just one. Whether the term is ever appropriate or if it describes domestic violence situations in an accurate fashion is not the focus of this article. Rather, this article looks at a case where the court found that domestic violence was, in fact, perpetrated by both the husband and wife. As a result, there were severe consequences for their children. Domestic violence impacts families of all socio-economic strata. Those stricken by poverty are not alone in facing the psychosocial stressors that exacerbate domestic violence.