Twelve years ago, I made the brave decision to leave an abusive marriage, freeing myself and my children from a life of fear and trauma. During those tumultuous years, my ex-partner was charged with domestic violence, leaving indelible marks on my family and me. We endured relentless abuse, documented by the authorities, who arrested him on numerous occasions. Despite the legal charges and his criminal record, the trauma he inflicted left deep scars, not only on me but also on our children, who have been traumatized in unimaginable ways.

Fast forward to today, I find myself in court yet again, facing my abuser, not because of violence, but because he seeks to profit financially from our past life together. I purchased my home independently, using the proceeds from my previous house sale. Twelve years later, he is attempting to force the sale of my home to pay off his debts by filing a financial order against me. This is financial abuse, a continuation of the control and manipulation he exerted during our marriage.

This situation is not unique to me. Countless survivors of domestic violence face similar financial exploitation as their abusers find loopholes in the legal system to continue their abuse, years later. We need urgent legal reform to safeguard those who have already suffered greatly. Once an abusive partner has been tried and convicted, they should have no claim to the finances or property accumulated post-separation by the survivor.

I implore lawmakers to consider the devastating impact of financial orders that allow abusers to further victimize their former partners. Legislation should be enacted to prevent those with a history of domestic abuse from claiming financial gain from their victims long after the relationship has ended. This change is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of survivors, allowing them to live free from the shadows of their past.

By signing this petition, you are standing with survivors who bravely rebuild their lives only to face further victimization through financial exploitation. Let us work together to close this legal loophole and protect the rights and dignity of domestic violence survivors. Please sign and help make a real difference.