Event and Time
Event Description
- The case involved an assessment of whether the father, Mr. Ziegler, presents an unacceptable risk of harm to his child, X, due to allegations of sexual abuse.
- The mother, Ms. Ziegler, initially filed the application in February 2018, stemming from concerns that arose after a supervised visitation with the father in April 2018.
Application and Claims
- The mother claims that the father has sexually abused their child, which she believes occurred during the supervised visits that began in April 2018.
- The ICL and the father deny these claims, arguing that the father does not pose an unacceptable risk to the child.
Judicial Decisions
1. Interim orders were required to be filed by both parties for the next six months by 15 September 2021. 2. An adjournment for a Case Management Hearing was scheduled for 22 September 2021. 3. Telephonic appearance via Microsoft Teams was facilitated.
Dispute Points and Legal Basis
Dispute Points
- Mother's Claims:
- Believes sexual abuse occurred since the commencement of supervised visits. - Firmly holds that her child's disclosures of abuse are true. - Her mother supports her claims, having an “unshakeable” belief in the accusations.
- Father's Claims:
- Denies all allegations of abuse. - Contends that he poses no risk and highlights that visits have not happened since January 2020.
- Independent Children’s Lawyer (ICL):
- Did not support the mother's allegations and instead aligned with the father’s claim that no unacceptable risk exists.