Defending Against DARVO & Narcissists: 8 Tactics to Protect Yourself in Divorce & Family Court

The DARVO method—Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender—is a tactic often employed by narcissists in legal battles, particularly during divorce or family court cases. In this episode, we shed light on the DARVO strategy and share eight essential ways to protect yourself against it. Whether you’re facing family violence court, property settlement agreements, or a child custody battle, these insights will empower you to stay calm, gather evidence, and ensure your truth is heard. Disclaimer: This podcast episode provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every situation is different, and it is important to seek independent legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Listen to This Episode If You:

• 🌟 Are dealing with a narcissistic ex who might be the type to manipulate the narrative in court.

• ❓ Want to understand the DARVO method and how it impacts family court cases.

• 💡 Need strategies to counteract manipulation and lies in affidavits or legal documents.

• 🛡 Want to protect yourself from being gaslit and maintain your mental health.

• 📚 Are looking for ways to keep communication calm and factual during a contentious divorce.

Key Ideas Discussed in This Episode:

• Understanding DARVO: What it means and how it shows up in legal battles.

• Importance of Written Communication: Why all communication should be documented via emails or apps.

• Respond, Don't React: Techniques for staying calm and responding thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.

• Gathering Evidence: How to collect and organise evidence to challenge false claims.

• Setting Firm Boundaries: The importance of setting clear boundaries to protect your mental health.

• Affidavit Strategies: How to stick to the facts and tell your story effectively in legal documents.

• Slow and Steady Wins the Race: Understanding that the truth will unfold over time with patience and perseverance.

 

Links & Resources Mentioned in the Podcast:

Episodes for More Insight:

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcasttwentyfive (Divorcing a narcissist: what to expect in the family law process and courts and how to prepare)

 

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastthirtythree (The Narcissist Playbook in Divorce)

 

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastfiftytwo (Co-parenting: How to successfully do it even with a high conflict, narcissistic controlling or avoidant ex partner.)

 

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastseventytoo (How To Use The Grey Rock Method in Divorce & Family Law Proceedings with a narcissistic ex)

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastseventyfive (Co parenting and family court with a Narcissist)

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastninetythree (Can you really mediate with a narcissist? Mediation and negotiation tips for divorcing an ex with narcissistic behaviours.)

 

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastninetyseven (The Post Separation Abuse Playbook and what you can do about it. Part 1)

 

• Post-Separation Abuse: What You Need to Know

 

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastninetyeight (The Post Separation Abuse Playbook and what you can do about it. Part 2)

•  

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorceepisode113 (Why your narcissistic ex might want a parenting coordinator and what you can do about it)

• https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode134 (Mind over matter: divorcing a narcissist)

•  

• https://link.chtbl.com/DivorceEpisode140 (The Narcissists’ Chess Board: Understanding The Divorce SLAY strategy

• https://link.chtbl.com/divorcepodcastninety (A simple way to protect your children from being used as chess pieces in your divorce or de facto separation)

 

• Webinars and Courses:

• DIY Divorce Blueprint www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/enrol

• Webinars on Navigating Divorce www.thedivorcecourse.com.au

• https://www.patreon.com/TheDivorceCoursePodcast

* ARC App website https://download.arc-app.org.au/

* Empower You App https://www.police.nsw.gov.au/safety_and_prevention/policing_in_the_community/empower_you_app

Emergency Contacts:

• WOMEN'S SHELTER SERVICE

• LEGAL AID

• Lifeline: 13 11 14

• Mensline Australia: 1300 789 978

• Kids Help Line: 1800 551 800

• Aboriginal Family Domestic Violence Hotline: [phone]

• Relationships Australia

• Police: 000

• DVConnect Womensline: 1800 811 811 (24 hours, 7 days a week)

• DV Connect Mensline: 1800 600 636

• National DV line: 1800 737 732 (1800 RESPECT)

 

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Thank you for tuning in to this important episode on understanding and counteracting the DARVO strategy. Remember, you are not alone, and there are ways to protect yourself and ensure that the truth comes out. If you found this episode helpful, please rate, review, and subscribe. Your support helps others find the help they need. Stay strong and take care.

Disclaimer: This podcast episode provides general legal education for Australians and is not a substitute for legal advice. Every situation is different, and it is important to seek independent legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.