PROTECT OUR CHILDREN: Stop Alberta Family Courts from Ignoring Criminal Danger
The Issue
To the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of Alberta, and the Legislative Assembly of Alberta:
I am not just asking for change; I am demanding it. The Alberta family court system is failing single mothers and their children. I am living proof of this devastating reality.
My story is a harrowing indictment of a system that prioritizes "maximum contact" for a biological parent over the fundamental stability and safety of a child.
The "Stranger" Danger
Currently, the Family Court is prioritizing the rights of an individual who is virtually a stranger to my child. The other party resides in another country, has no relationship with her, and has contributed nothing to her care.
Despite this, I have stood before Justices who rather than prioritizing the stability of my child express their "hope" that this individual will soon have unsupervised access. They are willing to disrupt a child's safe environment to satisfy the entitlements of an absent parent.
The System Ignores Red Flags
Despite affidavits detailing high-conflict behaviour and safety concerns, the culture in our courtrooms remains biased. Judges continue to minimize a mother's valid fears. When a Justice ignores documented concerns and relies on personal bias to push for reunification, they leave women and children defenseless.
The "Civil Matter" Trap
Because Family Court orders often override common sense, other protections fail. When I report harassment or safety issues, I am often told "it's a civil matter" because a Parenting Order exists. This loophole allows high-conflict individuals to use the Family Court system as a tool to continue their harassment without consequence.
My Reality
- I was denied an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) because of a technicality regarding cohabitation and location, leaving me without a crucial safety net.
- I have incurred over $60,000+ in legal fees while on maternity leave, fighting to keep my child safe from an individual who contributes nothing but conflict.
- My child’s well-being is being gambled on by a system that prioritizes a "biological connection" over actual, proven safety.
WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE REFORM:
- Safety Over Contact: Family Courts must mandate that the child's physical and emotional safety is the only priority. "Maximum contact" should never supersede safety or stability.
- End the "Civil Matter" Loophole: Police must be empowered to intervene in cases of harassment and stalking, even when a Parenting Order is in place.
- Broaden "Family Violence" Definitions: Alberta must close the gap in the Protection Against Family Violence Act to protect victims who have never cohabitated with the other party.
- Link Child Support to "Fit Parenting": A parent who willfully withholds support while using the court system to harass the mother should not be considered a "fit parent" for decision-making or access.
Your signature is a powerful act of solidarity. It tells the government that we will no longer accept a system that treats children as property to be divided, rather than human beings to be protected.
Stand with me.
Sincerely,
A Survivor
1,632
The Issue
To the Minister of Justice, the Attorney General of Alberta, and the Legislative Assembly of Alberta:
I am not just asking for change; I am demanding it. The Alberta family court system is failing single mothers and their children. I am living proof of this devastating reality.
My story is a harrowing indictment of a system that prioritizes "maximum contact" for a biological parent over the fundamental stability and safety of a child.
The "Stranger" Danger
Currently, the Family Court is prioritizing the rights of an individual who is virtually a stranger to my child. The other party resides in another country, has no relationship with her, and has contributed nothing to her care.
Despite this, I have stood before Justices who rather than prioritizing the stability of my child express their "hope" that this individual will soon have unsupervised access. They are willing to disrupt a child's safe environment to satisfy the entitlements of an absent parent.
The System Ignores Red Flags
Despite affidavits detailing high-conflict behaviour and safety concerns, the culture in our courtrooms remains biased. Judges continue to minimize a mother's valid fears. When a Justice ignores documented concerns and relies on personal bias to push for reunification, they leave women and children defenseless.
The "Civil Matter" Trap
Because Family Court orders often override common sense, other protections fail. When I report harassment or safety issues, I am often told "it's a civil matter" because a Parenting Order exists. This loophole allows high-conflict individuals to use the Family Court system as a tool to continue their harassment without consequence.
My Reality
- I was denied an Emergency Protection Order (EPO) because of a technicality regarding cohabitation and location, leaving me without a crucial safety net.
- I have incurred over $60,000+ in legal fees while on maternity leave, fighting to keep my child safe from an individual who contributes nothing but conflict.
- My child’s well-being is being gambled on by a system that prioritizes a "biological connection" over actual, proven safety.
WE DEMAND IMMEDIATE REFORM:
- Safety Over Contact: Family Courts must mandate that the child's physical and emotional safety is the only priority. "Maximum contact" should never supersede safety or stability.
- End the "Civil Matter" Loophole: Police must be empowered to intervene in cases of harassment and stalking, even when a Parenting Order is in place.
- Broaden "Family Violence" Definitions: Alberta must close the gap in the Protection Against Family Violence Act to protect victims who have never cohabitated with the other party.
- Link Child Support to "Fit Parenting": A parent who willfully withholds support while using the court system to harass the mother should not be considered a "fit parent" for decision-making or access.
Your signature is a powerful act of solidarity. It tells the government that we will no longer accept a system that treats children as property to be divided, rather than human beings to be protected.
Stand with me.
Sincerely,
A Survivor
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Petition created on September 6, 2024