Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola and Amy Polacko announced that “FRAMED: Women in the Family Court Underworld” is available for pre-order from various booksellers as of July 29, 2024. (You can find the links to purchase here: www.narcfreepress.com)
The Connecticut authors wrote this exposé about what happens behind closed doors in the family court system to shine a light on the injustices there. Both work with women going through divorce, custody disputes and domestic abuse. Dr. Christine M. Cocchiola is a world-renowned coercive control expert and therapist who speaks internationally. Amy Polacko is a divorce coach and award-winning journalist who writes for national publications.
“We are incredibly grateful to our twenty-two brave contributors for ‘FRAMED’ who come from around the world. Their stories are not anomalies. This is an epidemic,” said Cocchiola. “This book will validate the experiences of so many women and mothers suffering due to institutional betrayal– which means the family court becomes an extension of the abuser, further exerting coercive control over the victim.”
“Most people have no idea what really happens when you get divorced–until they find themselves entering the world of family court. That certainly is what happened to both of us,” said Polacko. “So, this book is a warning for all women who are dating, are married or are getting divorced. Plus, we are having workshops for those who pre-order FRAMED that teach women warning signs.”
The authors say “FRAMED” is more than a book–it’s a movement. They are on a mission to educate all women about narcissistic abusers/coercive controllers and push for family court reform. To this end, they are hosting virtual workshops called “The Abuser’s Playbook” that are FREE with the pre-order of “FRAMED” that will educate attendees about relationship red flags, coercive control, narcissistic abuse and family court. (You will be asked to provide proof of purchase during registration.) Find out more and register for the August 28 event at 8pm EST here: https://AbusersPlaybookWorkshop.eventbrite.com
The book’s release day is October 1, to coincide with the start of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Dr. Ramani Durvasula, New York Times bestselling author and narcissism expert, wrote the foreword to the book. Tina Swithin, founder of One Mom’s Battle, who has mobilized family court victims across the country wrote the book’s epilogue.
Cocchiola and Polacko warn that the stories in “FRAMED” may not be easy to read, but they are a must read. “Read it before you need it,” they say. “This could be you someday–or your daughter, sister, mother or friend.”
To learn more about FRAMED, go to www.narcfreepress.com
About the Authors
Dr. Christine Marie Cocchiola has been a social justice advocate since the age of 19 supporting victims of abuse. Her doctoral degree research at New York University, under the tutelage of Dr. Evan Stark, focused on adult and child victims of coercive control. A licensed clinical social worker and a published author, she is a survivor and protective parent. Learn more about Dr. C’s work here: www.coercivecontrolconsulting.com
Amy Polacko is a divorce coach, advocate for women, and award-winning journalist writing about divorce, domestic abuse, coercive control, and family court. Her work has appeared in HuffPost, Ms., Newsweek, The Independent, and The Washington Post. She earned a master’s degree from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism and is a survivor and protective parent. Learn more about Amy and her work here: www.freedomwarrior.info.
