For years, I endured the harrowing experience of domestic abuse, a cycle of fear and control that I believed I could never escape. When I finally found the strength to leave, the journey to healing was anything but straightforward. One significant step was the implementation of a section 91(14) order, a critical legal measure that granted me two precious years to recover without the looming threat of my abuser using the family courts to continue their reign of terror.

It's a terrifying reality that many survivors must face, as their abusers manipulate the legal system to exert control. The family court's involvement can often become another avenue for the abuser to maintain power, resulting in prolonged trauma for the victim and immense distress for children involved. Vulnerable children, already burdened with fear and anxiety, are often caught in this unforgiving crossfire.

This petition calls for an essential change in our legal system—making it mandatory for individuals convicted of domestic violence to automatically receive a section 91(14) order for a minimum period of two years. This legal order would serve as a protective barrier, granting survivors the time and space to begin healing without the constant dread of court-mandated contact.

Statistics reveal that domestic violence impacts an estimated 2.3 million adults in the UK each year, with countless cases going unreported. Children in these environments are particularly at risk, with studies showing they are more likely to experience abuse themselves or develop serious psychological issues.

The judiciary has a responsibility to protect the vulnerable, especially where domestic abuse is concerned. By mandating section 91(14) orders post-conviction, we can create a legal safe haven for victims and children, cutting off avenues of continued abuse through the family court.

I urge you to sign this petition, demanding a crucial reform that prioritizes the wellbeing of abuse survivors over procedural norms. Your support could mean the difference between liberation and continued suffering for countless individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. Sign today to make justice truly protective for everyone involved.