As a victim of domestic violence, I have experienced firsthand how the Family Court system can be manipulated by abusers. My ex-partner used our child as a pawn and was able to convince the judge to grant him custody, despite my pleas and evidence of abuse. This is not an isolated incident; many victims of abuse face similar injustices within the Family Court system due to a lack of understanding about trauma and its effects.

We urgently call upon legislators to mandate trauma-informed training for all professionals involved in family court proceedings. This training will ensure that judges, lawyers, and other court personnel understand the complexities of abuse and trauma. It will help prevent retraumatization of survivors like myself, promote fair treatment within the legal system, and protect children from being used as tools in abusive dynamics.

According to statistics from the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence. These alarming numbers highlight the urgent need for informed decisions within our courts.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a change that could protect countless victims from further harm at hands they should be protected against by law. Please sign this petition today - let's work together towards creating safer legal environments for survivors of abuse.