Petition · Ministry of Justice
Review family court system to help prevent post-separation abuse
Closed
5,022 signatures
What the petition asks
We want the government to review the family court system to help prevent post-separation abuse. This should look at training on coercive control, protections for abuse survivors, and strict limits on use of “parental alienation” claims that we feel can silence legitimate safeguarding concerns.
We are concerned that survivors of domestic abuse are being harmed by the very system meant to protect them. We believe that family courts often fail to recognise post-separation abuse, especially coercive control, and force survivors and their children into unsafe contact arrangements. The 2020 Harm Panel Report highlighted systemic failings. We are concerned that abusers can misuse “parental alienation” claims to discredit survivors, especially mothers. We think that these claims are too readily accepted. Children deserve protection — not exposure to further harm.
Timeline
| 29 Jul 2025 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 29 Jan 2026 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
5,022
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
29 Jul 2025
Closed
29 Jan 2026
Follow this petition
Sign in to get an email when the government responds, a debate is scheduled or held, or the petition closes.
Source: the official petition page. Last checked 29 Jul 2026.