California

Family courts claim to protect children, but secrecy has turned them into weapons against the very parents who seek safety. In California, survivor Giselle Smiel cared for her children alone for five years—only to lose them to an abusive ex after missing one hearing during her son’s medical emergency. Now she sits in jail on six felony charges, without transcripts, without ADA accommodations, and without transparency. Her case proves what advocates like Renata DeMello have long warned: until the public can see inside family court, justice will remain out of reach.