Fatal Custody: A Tragic Reality Hope Hooton and Kellie Elliott, two mothers, feared for the safety of their children in the presence of their fathers. Despite their concerns, both fathers were granted unsupervised time with their children, resulting in devastating consequences. Hope's husband threatened suicide and later experienced a psychiatric crisis, while Kellie's partner had a history of documented domestic violence and abuse. The stories of these two mothers highlight the failures of the family court system in addressing the risks posed by violent or unstable parents. In both cases, evidence of danger was either missed, dismissed, or failed to reach the courts altogether. This raises questions about the push for equal custody and the need to treat violence against a parent as a significant risk to children. Advocates argue that changes are needed to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. They point to the need for a more comprehensive approach to assessing the risks posed by parents and ensuring that evidence of danger is taken seriously by family courts. By examining these cases, Fault Lines sheds light on the complexities of the family court system and the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of children.