I find myself in a heart-wrenching situation, where despite being a survivor of domestic violence, I am forced by the Florida court system to coparent with the very individual who tried to take my life. The bureaucratic process has not only undermined my traumatic experience but further jeopardized my well-being and my children’s sense of security.

With documented evidence and having lived in a battered woman's shelter, I should be given the opportunity to parallel parent—an arrangement that can provide safety and autonomy for survivors like myself. Instead, the court mandates that I engage with someone who manipulated the system due to financial leverage over substantial evidence of abuse—and it’s not just me. It’s a systemic issue affecting many survivors who have come forward, seeking justice and safety.

Statistics show that approximately one in four women experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime, yet many find themselves in legal quagmires that deny them safety. Moreover, having to coparent with my abuser invalidates the trauma endured and exposes not only me but my children to continuous emotional turmoil.

The context here is not just about legalities—it is about justice and protection for those who have suffered immensely. The global society acknowledges the long-term implications of abuse, yet certain state systems lag behind in offering necessary protections. A past incident, no matter how long it has been, should not be brushed aside, especially when the safety and peace of families are at stake.

What I propose is clear-cut reform within the Florida judicial system to acknowledge documented abuse as a decisive factor in parenting decisions. This could include amending custody laws to prioritize the safety and consent of survivors, with particular consideration for parallel parenting structures that allow each parent to make independent decisions without requiring direct communication with the abuser.

Our courts must protect those who come forward courageously, not bind them back to their abusers. It is time to reassess our laws and make the necessary amendments that reflect the reality and severity of domestic violence. No one should endure the same turmoil or risk of further manipulation once they have broken free.

I urge you to stand with me, and countless others, in demanding pertinent changes to Family Law practices by signing this petition. Together, we can advocate for a future where survivors dictate the terms of their safety and healing. Your signature means action, and action means change. Please sign this petition to ensure that survivors have the choice and control they desperately need.