Petition · Ministry of Justice
Mandatory pausing of civil court actions during domestic abuse investigations
Open for signatures
284 signatures
What the petition asks
Introduce a requirement to pause or restrict civil family court actions, including occupation and financial orders, where there is an active domestic abuse criminal investigation or prosecution, unless there is a clear safeguarding necessity
Victims of domestic abuse are often re-traumatised when alleged perpetrators use civil courts to continue control through housing, finances, or children while criminal proceedings are ongoing. This can create an imbalance of power, increase harm, and undermine justice. We believe safeguards are needed to prevent further abuse until criminal matters are concluded.
Timeline
| 20 Mar 2026 | Petition opened for signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
284
Status
Open for signatures
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
20 Mar 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 26 Jul 2026.