An old schoolmate of mine had an alcoholic husband who beat her. There were five children from this marriage. I know no more details. I got this from her mother who still lives in my parish. She got her annulment, as the couple could not continue their contract of "love, honor,...etc." She remarried and she and the five children are doing very well.
The Church changed its definition and parameters of what is allowed for annullment. The panel that decides is made up of a lay person, a health person and a religious person.
Your article was very interesting.
The Church has NEVER bastardized children. What is annulled is he Sacrament of Holy Matrimony, the civil marriage stands. Only the Sacrament is affected. The children are seen as innocent victims of their parents and their status does not change.
Annulments are the way to help someone like this lady.