In a recent Judiciary Committee Public Hearing held on January 24, 2025, in Connecticut, significant concerns were raised regarding the family court system and the issuance of protective orders. Testimonies from individuals affected by these legal processes highlighted systemic issues that many believe are detrimental to fairness and justice.

One speaker, who described his experience with protective orders, claimed that approximately 27,000 such orders are issued annually in Connecticut, often without due process hearings. He argued that this practice disproportionately affects men, with 95% of protective orders issued against them. He cited statistics from the Department of Justice and the Centers for Disease Control, suggesting that men are more frequently victims of domestic violence than women, a claim that challenges common perceptions about domestic abuse.

The speaker's personal narrative included severe consequences stemming from these protective orders, including multiple felony charges and significant financial loss. He criticized the family court system for what he described as a lack of accountability and due process, suggesting that the current system resembles "child trafficking" due to the financial incentives involved in custody disputes.

Another witness, Jennifer Bridal, echoed these sentiments, expressing frustration with the judges' decisions in family court. She criticized Judge Whetstone for her handling of cases involving a therapist who had been later discredited. Bridal's testimony underscored a perceived lack of improvement in the family court system over the years, despite ongoing concerns raised by families.

The hearing concluded with no immediate resolutions, but the testimonies shed light on the urgent need for reform in the family court system. The committee members will likely consider these issues as they move forward, with the potential for future discussions on how to address the systemic problems highlighted by the speakers. The meeting's outcome remains to be seen, but the voices of those affected by the family court system are increasingly calling for change.