Two special podcasts with Jo Delahunty KC looking at domestic abuse and discussing her new book – We Set the Bar – Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession.

Two special podcasts with Jo Delahunty KC looking at domestic abuse and discussing her new book – We Set the Bar – Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession.
7 May 2026

Family Law Week Podcast Special with Jo Delahunty: Domestic Abuse and the Family Justice System: Law and Practice

In this episode, host Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Professor Jo Delahunty KC and Ian McArdle where they discuss their new book; Domestic Abuse and the Family Justice System: Law and Practice.

This much needed new book looks at the legal framework governing allegations of domestic abuse from Statute and Rules to precedent and good practice. It assists those working with both victims and perpetrators of alleged coercive controlling behaviour and domestic abuse, and those who represent the children impacted by adult behaviours.

Guiding the reader through the legal framework the court applies when assessing competing adult claims and denials, the work identifies areas that can be problematic to manage unless well anticipated and sets out ways in which they can be navigated.

This book combines best practice from the criminal courts to assist family law practitioners in identifying common mistakes made by practitioners and the family justice system, offering solutions and promoting best practice.

Each chapter identifies principles and practice points, highlighting the key points practitioners can deploy to enhance and develop their own case preparation and court room skills.  Not only essential reading for all involved in this area of law but a necessary addition to every courtroom.

Click here for the podcast https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/resources/family-law-week-weekly-podcast-season-10-special-episode/

Professor Jo Delahunty KC (Author)  Ian McArdle (Author)  Michelle Heeley KC (Author)  Chloe Ashley (Author) Anita Mehta (Author)

You can purchase the book here published by Bloomsbury Professional: – https://www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/uk/domestic-abuse-and-the-family-justice-system-9781526528186/

This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

Family Law Week Podcast: Jo Delahunty’s new book – We Set the Bar – Fighting for Equality, Empowerment and Change within the Legal Profession.

In this episode Elissa Da Costa-Waldman MCIArb, Barrister at Westgate Chambers, hosts Professor Jo Delahunty KC.

The Bar has a long-standing reputation for being the preserve of public-school educated, white men. Power and privilege can create abuses of power. from discrimination and disadvantage in entering the profession, to toxic work practices, sexual harassment, judicial bullying and more.

In her trademark outspoken style, Jo Delahunty K.C. reveals what life at the legal aid Bar involves and identifies what can be done to change its culture and image for the better, reshaping the traditional image of a barrister in terms of the diverse profession it should be.

By celebrating the highs, but not concealing the lows, of a life in law, Jo’s love letter to her profession ‘sets the bar’ for action: what we can learn from the past and what needs to be done in future to galvanise it into a united, egalitarian, healthy environment for all.

Click here for the podcast https://www.familylawweek.co.uk/resources/family-law-week-weekly-podcast-season-10-episode-3/

You can purchase this book here.

This episode is produced by Stuart Taylor-Jones.

Bristol University Press