Gloucestershire Family Court & Domestic Abuse Experiences Survey ends 31st October 2026

Have you, or someone you know, experienced domestic abuse and been involved in family court proceedings?

Across the UK, growing concerns have been raised about how domestic abuse is recognised, understood, and responded to within the family court system. Many survivors, children, families, and professionals have shared experiences of feeling unheard, unsupported, or negatively impacted by decisions made during court proceedings.

We want to better understand what is happening here in Gloucestershire.

This survey has been created to gather the experiences of people who have been affected directly or indirectly by domestic abuse and family court processes. We are particularly interested in understanding the impact on survivors, victims, children, protective parents, extended family members, and those who support them.

We welcome responses from:

  • Survivors and victims of domestic abuse
  • Parents and carers involved in family court proceedings
  • Children and young people aged 16+ who wish to share their experiences
  • Family members and friends who have supported someone through the process
  • Domestic abuse advocates and support workers
  • Legal professionals, social care professionals, healthcare professionals, and other practitioners with relevant experience

Your experiences and insights will help us:

  • Understand the realities faced by families involved in the family court system
  • Identify common challenges, barriers, and areas of concern
  • Highlight examples of good practice and effective support
  • Identify gaps in local and national services
  • Strengthen recommendations for change and improvement
  • Raise awareness of the impact family court proceedings can have on survivors and children

All responses will be treated confidentially. Information collected through this survey will be anonymised and used to produce a public report that aims to improve understanding, influence policy discussions, support local campaigning efforts, and advocate for better outcomes for survivors, children, and families.

No identifying information will be published without explicit consent.

Trigger Warning

This survey contains questions relating to domestic abuse, coercive and controlling behaviour, child contact arrangements, safeguarding concerns, family court proceedings, and the experiences of survivors and children.

Some questions may be upsetting or triggering. Please only continue if you feel emotionally safe and able to participate at this time. You may stop completing the survey at any point.

If you require support, please consider reaching out to a trusted professional, support organisation, friend, or family member.

Why Your Voice Matters

Every experience matters.

Whether your experience was positive, negative, or mixed, your perspective can help us build a more complete picture of how domestic abuse and family courts affect families across Gloucestershire.

By sharing your experience, you can help ensure that survivors, children, and families are heard and contribute to meaningful change for future generations.

Thank you for taking the time to complete this survey. Please consider sharing it with others who may wish to contribute.

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Section 1: About You
Which district do you live in? *
Required
What best describes you? *
Required
Have you been involved in family court proceedings within the last: *
Required
Section 2: Family Court Experience   

How would you describe your overall experience of the family court process?

 *
(1 = Extremely negative, 10 = Extremely positive)
Did you feel your concerns were listened to? *
Required

Did you feel respected throughout the process?

 *
Required
Did you understand what was happening at each stage? *
Required
How stressful did you find the process? *

Did you feel able to participate fully in hearings and meetings?

 *
Section 3: Domestic Abuse Awareness
If domestic abuse was a factor in your case, do you feel it was properly understood? *
Required
Which forms of abuse were involved? (Tick all that apply) *

Did professionals appear to understand coercive control?

 *
Required

Did you ever feel pressured to cooperate with someone who had harmed you?

 *
Required

Were appropriate safety measures put in place?

 *
Required

Section 4: Impact on Children

Do you believe the child's voice was heard? *
Required

How well do you believe the child's welfare was protected?

 *
What impact did proceedings have on your child or children? *
Required

Please describe any impact on children.

 *

Section 5: Support and Services

Were you offered support during proceedings?

 *
Required

Which support services did you access?

 *
Required

What support would have made the greatest difference?

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Did financial costs create barriers? *
Required

Section 6: Recommendations for Change

What is the single biggest change needed within family courts? *
Which of the following should be prioritised? *
Required
Do you believe survivors should have a stronger voice in shaping family court reforms? *
Required
Would you support a Gloucestershire campaign calling for improvements to family court experiences for survivors and children? *
Required
If you could say one thing directly to decision-makers in Gloucestershire about your experience, what would it be? *
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