I am launching this petition because, through my role as CEO of Survivors Corner CIC, I have witnessed the impact that family court decisions can have on survivors and children. Survivors deserve a system where domestic abuse is fully understood, risks are recognised, and decisions are made with the specialist knowledge these cases require.

 

Petition by Survivors Corner CIC

We are calling on the UK Government to conduct an independent review into the use of lay magistrates in family court cases involving domestic abuse, to ensure survivors and children are protected by a family justice system with the specialist knowledge required to understand abuse, risk and trauma.

Domestic abuse is complex. It can involve coercive control, psychological abuse, intimidation, financial abuse and abuse that continues after separation. When families enter the family court system, the decisions made can have life-changing consequences for survivors and children.

Through our work supporting survivors of domestic abuse, Survivors Corner CIC has heard the concerns of individuals who feel that the full reality and impact of their abuse has not always been recognised during family court proceedings.

We recognise that lay magistrates play an important role within the justice system. This petition is not about criticising individuals; it is about asking whether the current system provides the specialist expertise, safeguards and consistency needed when domestic abuse is involved.

We are asking the UK Government to:

• Conduct an independent review of the role of lay magistrates in family court cases involving domestic abuse.

• Assess whether current training and safeguards are sufficient to support informed decision-making in cases involving coercive control, trauma and ongoing risk.

• Consider whether complex domestic abuse cases should receive specialist judicial oversight.

• Identify reforms needed to improve safety, confidence and outcomes for survivors and children.

Family court decisions must place the safety and wellbeing of children and survivors at the heart of the process. Everyone deserves confidence that cases involving domestic abuse are being considered by decision-makers with the expertise required to understand the realities of abuse.

By signing this petition, you are supporting a call for evidence-based review and reform to ensure that the family justice system continues to improve and better protect those affected by domestic abuse.

About Survivors Corner CIC

Survivors Corner CIC was built by survivors for survivors  of domestic abuse navigating the UK Family Court system. We are working to ensure that survivor voices are heard. This petition has been created to bring attention to concerns raised by survivors and to encourage meaningful discussion and improvement within the family justice system.