Petition · Ministry of Justice

Review Protections for Children Against Coercive Control in Family Court Process

Open for signatures 51 signatures

What the petition asks

Review safeguards in family courts to address coercive control, to ensure children’s voices are heard, and prioritise their wellbeing. Improve training, guidance, and use of supervised contact where manipulation or emotional harm is identified.
We believe that children are often not properly heard in family court, leaving them distressed and unheard in decisions affecting their lives. The process can be emotionally damaging, with repeated hearings and forced contact causing long-term harm. When coercive control is overlooked, it can affect a child’s mental health, development, and future relationships. Stronger protections are needed to ensure children’s voices matter and their wellbeing is prioritised.

Timeline

29 May 2026 Petition opened for signatures

Key facts

Signatures 51
Status Open for signatures
Department Ministry of Justice
Opened 29 May 2026

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 26 Jul 2026.