New parliamentary group launches inquiry into get process

The newly formed All-Party Parliamentary Group on Get Refusal has launched an inquiry into women’s experience of the Orthodox divorce process. MPs Nickie Aiken and Karen Buck, who co chair the group which was set up in May, are appealing to women who want to give testimony to come forward. They say they would like to hear from women who have been able to secure their divorce quickly, as well as those whose experiences have been more complicated. A researcher has been engaged to conduct interviews. Ms Aiken said she was “delighted to be launching this inquiry and offering Jewish women to the chance to share their experience of the divorce process. We hope that their stories will illustrate what is successful and what is difficult about seeking a get and that our conclusions will inform discussion and action where it is required.” Ms Buck said, “The stories of chained women are heartrending, but many women have successful divorce stories. We want to hear from both extremes – and those in between – to understand how women can be better served in securing a get.” Baroness Altmann - one of the peers who successfully campaigned to have get refusal recognised as a form of domestic abuse - said, “We hope that this collaboration with women will provide a comprehensive narrative and insights into the get process in the UK, helping to identify areas which are causing particular difficulty and we hope to improve the experience and success of the get process for women.” Next week, the APPG is hosting the launch of a new book by the barrister Daniel Greenberg, Getting A Get. Mr Greenberg, a specialist in legislation who was made a Companion of the Order of the Bath last year for services to Parliament, has previously been critical of the way batei din in this country have acted during the get process. Women who would like to contact the group can do so through appggetrefusal@gmail.com

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