Sexual violence and family courts in England and Wales

This short work uses female survivor perspectives to address the minimisation of rape and sexual violence in the family court and the prioritisation of child contact with both parents at all costs, even in cases where abuse is alleged. Fifteen female participants who self-disclosed as survivors of sexual violence who experienced family court proceedings contributed to this research. Eleven participants were mothers with children involved in the proceedings. Findings showed victim-blaming as a significant issue for participants, as well as detachments of abuse allegations from children's contact decisions. In some cases, alleged abusers brought counter-allegations against these women survivors, which put several participants and their children in stressful and harmful situations. Participant mothers noted they endured the harm out of fear for their children's safety. All participants had negative experiences with the courts, with findings connecting their experiences with victim-blaming, post-separation and litigation abuse. This research concludes with recommendations for change, highlighting proposed policies which would better protect and serve women survivors and children in private family law proceedings.