Petition · Ministry of Justice
Review the use of closed courts for victims of domestic/sexual violence
Closed
38 signatures
What the petition asks
In cases when a survivor has experienced humiliating physical abuse at the hands of a partner, in particular domestic and sexual abuse, we feel the last thing they want is to have this presented publicly, in a court where the perpetrator's friends may come and watch, or their family may hear details
The application process for a closed court is lengthy and we believe the outcome of a closed court is very rare. We think that may lead to some survivors dropping the charges and withdrawing their statements.
We think reviewing how to make closed courts more accessible to vulnerable survivors would also increase the amount of perpetrators who end up being taken to court and convicted.
We think reviewing how to make closed courts more accessible to vulnerable survivors would also increase the amount of perpetrators who end up being taken to court and convicted.
Timeline
| 25 Jul 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 25 Jan 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
38
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
25 Jul 2025
Closed
25 Jan 2026
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 23 Aug 2026.