Episode 25: Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers—A Conversation with David Mandel

This is your go-to Podcast, where we help parents navigate the complexities of family life. Hosted by Ali Kessler of Greyson’s Choice, we’ll cover everything from understanding domestic violence to navigating the legal system, finding the right therapists, life hacks, family law, mental health, custody battles, and how to protect children in dangerous situations. 

In this episode, Ali Kessler interviews David Mandel, founder of the Safe and Together Institute, discussing his extensive experience in child welfare and domestic violence reform. David shares insights on the Safe and Together model, which aims to keep children safe by holding perpetrators accountable and partnering with protective parents. The conversation delves into the challenges faced in child safety, the importance of understanding fatherhood, and the myths surrounding parental alienation. David emphasizes the need for systemic change in how child protection agencies approach domestic violence cases, advocating for a more equitable treatment of mothers and fathers.

About David Mandel:

With over 35 years in domestic violence and child welfare, David created the Safe & Together Model, a transformative approach to how systems respond to domestic abuse involving children. He identified how a perpetrator pattern–based approach enhances collaboration with survivors, parental intervention, and child outcomes. David founded the Safe & Together Institute, working globally with governments and NGOs, offering training, consulting, e-learning, and trainer certification. The Model is relevant across sectors like family court, law enforcement, mental health, and more. He has authored numerous articles, book chapters, and a recent book, "Stop Blaming Mothers and Ignoring Fathers," available on Amazon.

Contact:

https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/about-our-standards/staff-faculty/

Safe and Together Institute

https://safeandtogetherinstitute.com/stop-blaming-mothers-and-ignoring-fathers-book/

About Ali Kessler: Ali Kessler is a writer, marketing professional, passionate parent advocate, and founder of Greyson’s Choice, a 501(c)(3) created to raise awareness about the risk of domestic abuse on children. Greyson’s Choice was founded by Ali Kessler in memory of her sweet, vibrant, and fearless 4.5-year-old son, Greyson, who was murdered by his biological father in a murder-suicide during an unsupervised, court-approved visit in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, in 2021. This came just hours after her petition for a domestic violence injunction was denied by a Broward County judge, citing that the “petitioner has failed to allege any overt acts by the respondent which would constitute domestic violence under Florida Statute.”

Ali’s advocacy efforts culminated in successfully passing Greyson’s Law during the 2023 legislative session. This bill now requires the court to consider threats against ex-partners or spouses when making child visitation and custody determinations in the court, expanding to include the following factors: evidence of domestic violence, whether a parent in the past or currently has reasonable cause to believe that they or a minor child is, or has been in imminent danger of becoming the victim of domestic/sexual violence by the other parent, even if no other legal action has been brought or is currently pending in court.

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