I have seen firsthand how survivors, children, and families can fall through the cracks when systems wait until a crisis happens to offer real help. Domestic violence is not always loud. Coercive control, trauma, fear, financial pressure, isolation, and family-court conflict can all affect a person’s ability to protect themselves and their children. This reality makes it crucial for family courts to recognize these elements before making custody decisions.

Family courts play a pivotal role in safeguarding the well-being of children and families, but the current system often dismisses the complexities of domestic violence and its wide-reaching impacts. According to studies, coercive control is present in up to 60% of cases involving domestic violence, yet it remains a lesser-seen dimension in legal settings. Additionally, trauma survivors often face compounded difficulties when legal processes are not equipped to provide the nuance and understanding necessary.

It's time for family courts to evolve. To facilitate this, we urgently need to implement mandatory training for family court judges and personnel on domestic violence, coercive control, and trauma-informed responses. Moreover, there should be a system in place for courts to access evidence-based risk assessment experts who can accurately evaluate the dynamics of each family situation.

By recognizing these elements before decisions are made, family courts can ensure safer, more informed outcomes that reflect the true needs and safety of families.

Implementing these changes would not only save lives but also uphold the integrity and compassion with which our justice system must operate. We call upon the government and family court systems to prioritize these reforms.

Families deserve earlier support and safer systems. Join us in urging family courts to recognize and adapt to these critical issues. Please sign this petition to demand change for safer, more informed family court decisions.