‘Social Context/Framework Evidence’ and its implications for Judicial Officers

 Social framework opinion evidence often assists the fact finder in understanding the evidence or in determining a fact relevant to material issues  There are various types of expert opinions which can facilitate an understanding of the dynamics and perspectives underlying a family violence relationship: The clinically based opinion The social framework opinion A hybrid of the clinically based and social framework options.

 The clinically based expert assesses the relationship and can offer opinion evidence about the particular effects of violence on this specific relationship  Social framework experts put clinical data in perspective, usually without any clinical relationship with the parties. The social framework expert clarifies the contradictions and the misconceptions regarding domestic abuse  The hybrid expert offers a clinical opinion about the abuse and effects in this particular relationship and explains the behaviour of the abused person.