Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that is insidious yet incredibly damaging. It encompasses a range of behaviors including manipulation, intimidation, isolation, and control tactics that can leave victims feeling powerless. Despite its significant impact, coercive control often goes unrecognized, particularly in family courts.

Family courts play a pivotal role in determining the outcomes of custody and divorce cases. Sadly, many victims of coercive control find that their experiences are not adequately acknowledged or addressed in these settings. This lack of recognition not only fails the victims but often results in unjust decisions that can endanger victims and their children.

Statistics indicate that approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men have experienced severe physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. However, countless more endure emotional and psychological abuse. Coercive control is a critical component of this abuse that is often overlooked.

We urge the family courts to take definitive action against coercive control by training judges and court staff to recognize and understand its dynamics. We also call for the incorporation of expert testimony on coercive control in court proceedings, ensuring victims have a voice and are safeguarded in legal decisions.

Recognizing coercive control is crucial for the protection of families and ensuring fair judicial outcomes. By signing this petition, you are joining a movement for change, demanding accountability and justice for victims of coercive control in family courts. Your support can help reform a system that needs to better protect the vulnerable individuals it serves.