Emma Whewell, Senior Lecturer in Law, is part of the Domestic Abuse Advisory Group that has launched a new and freely available guide for any victims of domestic abuse going through a process that can too often feel confusing and frightening.
The “Guide to Family Court Proceedings for those who have experienced domestic abuse” has been created alongside people who have lived experience and their insights into the system; it is particularly targeted at those who have experienced domestic abuse and are navigating court proceedings without legal representation.
The guide will be available and distributed to Courts, the legal profession, councils, statutory and voluntary organisations supporting victims, healthcare services, education settings. It is also available to anyone supporting victims of abuse and their children, and the victim/survivors directly.
This guide is intended to eventually be rolled out nationwide for use within the court system. The advice it offers draws on the experiences of victim/survivors as well as the Judiciary, legal professionals and domestic abuse support services. It is intended as a trauma-informed and easy-to-understand document to help people navigate what can sometimes seem a bewildering and foreboding process.
Access the guide below:
Emma commented:
“The Guide is the first output of Bristol’s Local Family Justice Board Domestic Abuse Advisory Group which in turn was created after a Conference on Domestic Abuse at UWE on 19th May 2023. Its a hugely important piece of work and I very much hope that all those who have experienced domestic abuse will find the Guide useful.”
Her Honour Judge Cope, Senior Circuit Judge, Designated Family Judge based at Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre has stated:
“This guide has been prepared by a group of professionals over a long period of time. The result is a clear, local guide aimed at assisting those who come to the court having experienced domestic abuse. It contains a wealth of information in a practical format which I am confident will help all those anxious about attending court. I am delighted to support it.”
About the Guide to Family Court Proceedings for those who have experienced domestic abuse
It is a victim/survivor-centred and victim-informed resource backed by senior members of the judiciary and the Children And Family Courts Advisory Support Service (CAFCASS). It will be made available to all, free of charge.
About the LFJB Domestic Abuse Advisory Group
The Domestic Abuse Advisory group was formed in 2023 to address issues of concern within local Family Justice proceedings and make recommendations to the Local Family Justice Board (LFJB). Members include the Judiciary, Legal Counsel, Domestic Abuse Advocates, Trauma Specialists, Adult and Children’s Social Care, and Academic and Research Specialists.