In Episode 20 of the Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Podcast, we explore the topic ‘How The Family Court Enabled The Coercive Control of Catherine Kassenoff,’ in an exclusive interview with renowned journalist and divorce coach, Amy Polacko, who broke the story in Ms. Magazine.
A mother of three, Catherine alleged that she suffered years of punishing post-separation abuse at the hands of her ex-spouse, Allan Kassenoff. We analyze how biases in the family court system allowed Allan to use a psychological theory that has been discredited by the American Bar Association, the American Psychology Association, and the United Nations to gain sole custody of their children and wage an endless campaign of psychological terror that ended in tragedy.
About Amy Polacko
Amy Polacko is an investigative journalist and divorce coach. She was a member of the Pulitzer Prize-winning team that broke the TWA Flight 800 story at Newsday. Amy studied politics and literature at the College of the Holy Cross and Oxford University. She obtained her master’s degree at the Columbia School of Journalism.
Learn more about her work at freedomwarrior.info.
Don’t miss our follow-up episode Exploring “FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld” with Dr. Christine Cocchiola and Amy Polacko.
Episode Overview
In this episode, some of the topics we discuss are:
- Catherine Kassenoff’s story
- Post-separation abuse
- Gender-based violence
- Vexatious litigation
- The commodification of child custody disputes
- The patholigization of mothers in the family court system
- Parental alienation syndrome (PAS)
- Meta-Patriarchal Violence
- DARVO
- Jennifer’s Law
- The link between PTSD and Depression Comorbidity and Female Mortality
- Child mortality in child custody disputes
- UN Special Rapporteur Reem Alsalem’s Statement on Violence Against Women and Girls
Where to Listen
The Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Podcast airs on these fine podcast platforms.
- Amazon Music
- Apple Podcast
- Castbox Podcast
- Deezer
- Google Podcast
- iHeartRadio
- iVoox
- Listen Notes
- Overcast Podcast
- Owltail
- PlayerFM
- Pocket Podcast
- Podbean
- Podcast Addict
- Podcast Index
- Podchaser
- Podfriend
- Podverse
- Radio Public
- Soundcloud
- Spreaker
- Spotify
- Stitcher
Resources and Links
- Wakefield, M (2023, February 18). ‘PTSD and Depression Comorbidity Increase Risk of Mortality In Women.’ Narcissistic Abuse Rehab.
- Statement by Reem Alsalem, ‘Special Rapporteur on Violence Against Women and Girls, Its Causes, and Consequences,’ 53rd session of the Human Rights Council. June 22, 2023.
- United Nations (2023, June 23) ‘Urgent reform needed to shield women and children from violence during custody battles.’ UN News.
- Polacko, A. (2021, December 14) ‘Empty Home for the Holidays: Mothers Who Can’t See Their Children Blame Broken Family Court System.’ Ms. Magazine.
- Polacko, A. (2023, June 5) ‘Remembering Catherine Kassenoff and Continuing the Fight for Fair U.S. Child Custody Outcomes.’ Ms. Magazine.
- Polacko, A. (2023, June 12) ‘Allan Kassenoff Resigns After Public Outcry Over Wife Catherine’s Apparent Suicide.’ Ms. Magazine.
- Thomas R.M. and Richardson, J.T. (2015, July 1) ‘Parental Alienation Syndrome: 30 Years On and Still Junk Science.’ The American Bar Association.
- Wakefield, M. (2023, January 27) ‘Why Is Parental Alienation Syndrome So Controversial?’ Narcissistic Abuse Rehab.
- Alltucker, K.(2023, July 17) ‘A child dies every 6 days amid custody fights, family court lapses. Advocates want change.’ USA Today.
- Syal, Rajeev. (2022, June 2) ‘Why did the Depp-Heard libel outcomes differ in the US and the UK.’ The Guardian.
- Narcissistic Abuse Rehab on Patreon.
Disclaimer
The information and opinions presented in this podcast episode are for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. The content discussed is based on publicly available information and news reports, and The Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Podcast makes no representations or warranties regarding its accuracy or completeness. Any references to specific individuals, cases, or events are intended to provide context for the broader discussion and should not be interpreted as a statement of fact or endorsement.
The topics covered in this episode are complex and may involve sensitive or distressing subject matter. We urge our audience to approach the content with compassion and understanding, recognizing that real-life experiences can be nuanced and multifaceted.
Furthermore, the episode includes discussions on sensitive issues related to mental health and self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling with emotional distress, we strongly encourage seeking help from mental health professionals or support organizations.
Views expressed by the podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast or its producers. The Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Podcast aims to foster informed conversations and encourage critical thinking on various topics, but it is not a substitute for personalized legal or professional advice.
By accessing and listening to this episode, you agree to hold harmless the podcast, its hosts, and its contributors from any claims, losses, or damages arising from the use or reliance on the content discussed. The podcast does not endorse any specific viewpoints or individuals discussed and is not responsible for the accuracy or reliability of external links or sources mentioned in the episode.
