I am reaching out to you today with a plea for change that is deeply personal to me and many others. I am enduring the harrowing process in Scotland's family courts, where despite evidence of abuse, I am forced to maintain contact between my child and their abusive parent. In my experience, and countless others, the devastating effects of this legal requirement have not only threatened my child's safety but have also significantly impacted my mental health. This situation has served as an ongoing tool for the abuser to exert control, which further entraps us in the cycle of abuse.

In Scotland, current family court laws continue to enforce contact between children and abusive parents under the belief that it is in the child’s best interest. However, this outdated approach fails to recognise the immediate and long-term harm inflicted when children are exposed to abusive environments. In contrast, England and Wales have taken strides in this area by allowing the courts to prioritise the safety and well-being of both the child and the survivor parent above all else.

The implementation of these laws in Scotland could prevent further abuse and provide much-needed relief to thousands of families like mine. Evidence is mounting that children who grow up witnessing domestic violence are at a higher risk of experiencing emotional, developmental, and behavioural issues, along with perpetuating the cycle of abuse themselves. It's imperative that the Scottish legal system evolves to reflect this understanding.

By adopting similar measures as England and Wales, we have the power to protect countless children and support survivors in their journey to recovery. Reforming family court laws to prioritise safety and recognise the coercive control that abusers exert through court mandates is crucial. We must urge the Scottish government to re-examine these laws and adopt frameworks that truly consider the welfare of the child and the survivor parent.

Join me in this critical mission to shield our children from harm and allow families the chance to rebuild in a safer environment. With your support, we can demand a change that recognises the real dangers and psychological scars of forced interactions with abusive parents.

Please sign this petition to call upon the Scottish government to align with the reformed family court practices of England and Wales, and make children's safety and the well-being of survivors the top priority in family legal proceedings across Scotland.