Ask Califonia Governor Gavin Newsom to join the two-hundred cities, counties, and states to proclaim November as Family Court Awareness Month.

Family Court Awareness Month is an opportunity for survivors of domestic violence or post-separation abuse to amplify their voices while raising awareness in their own communities on the undeniable shortcomings of the family court system. With events being planned around the country, the objective for the ongoing efforts will be focused on starting conversations between survivors and elected officials with the ultimate goal of finding solutions and making changes.

Video: Open Plea to Governor Gavin Newsom

The month of November was purposefully chosen, as it dovetails October’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence is about power and control and when an abusive relationship ends and children are involved, the abuse often escalates and transitions into the family court system. When the power and control dynamics become rooted in the family court system, children are often used as pawns and weaponized by the abusive, unhealthy parent. Education and training on domestic violence, post-separation abuse and trauma is urgently needed for judicial officers and family court professionals to truly act in the best interest of children.