A horrifying personal experience evoked this petition. A mother, who found the strength to escape the grasp of a controlling and coercively behaving father, decided to take her child abroad for a needed holiday. This was to compensate for the long duration the child had to spend with the father - six weeks, with no intervention from any authorities. Sadly, the sweet taste of freedom was short-lived. After returning from a 9-day holiday, armed police arrested this brave woman and forcefully took her terrified child away - a scene no one should witness.

This incident has shed light onto an issue that is, unfortunately, so often overlooked. The law, as it stands, requires a father's consent for children under the age of 16 to travel abroad, regardless of the circumstances. This can be immensely traumatizing and challenging for mothers who have left problematic relationships and only wish to protect and comfort their child.

Experiencing domestic violence and coercive control is a reality for 1 in 3 women globally (source: World Health Organization), and legal technicalities like these further exacerbate their suffering. We believe it is high time to reassess laws that bind these mothers and limit their freedom in situations where they ought to have complete autonomy.

We urge law reform, allowing mothers to decide to travel abroad with their child, particularly in such circumstances. It's time to reflect on the law's role as a protector, not an oppressor. Please sign this petition now. It's time to make a difference.