Family court

No one should have to be cross-examined by their abuser

WIN! The Government finally passed a hugely important reform that will protect victim-survivors in Family Court. This campaign came about because of the incredible bravery and advocacy of Eleanor, a survivor of family violence who asked Fair Agenda members to stand with her and the Women’s Legal Services Australia to build pressure on the Government to update these laws. Thank you to all the Fair Agenda members that were part of the campaign supporting this important reform!

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Right now there are no legal protections in place to stop abusive ex-partners from cross-examining those they have abused in family courts.1 As Eleanor, the survivor leading the call to change this horrifying system explains, this cruel gap needs to be addressed:

"The day I stood on the stand and was forced to answer the questions of a man who had sexually assaulted and abused me for over a decade were a massive slap in the face. And that horrific experience was a major obstacle in my recovery from the trauma of my abuse. No person should have to be cross-examined by the person who sexually assaulted and beat them.” 

Eleanor's local MP has just raised this issue in federal parliament - now Eleanor is asking for your help to build enough community pressure to push Attorney-General George Brandis to address this cruel system. Can you sign the petition and stand with Eleanor?

If you or someone you know is experiencing family violence or sexual assault, you can call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 for 24/7 support. If you are in immediate danger call 000.

Click here for more information

Under Family Court rules, people without legal representation can currently cross-examine their former partner.2

State and territory courts already have rules in place to make sure this can't happen, but the federally governed family court hasn't yet caught up. Last December the Productivity Commission recommended the law be changed – but the Attorney-General still hasn't responded to the recommendation.3

-References-

1, 2, 3. Victorian MP pushing to end Family Court cross-examinations by abusive ex-partners, ABC News, 19 October 2015.

5,441 SIGNATURES SO FAR

To Attorney-General, Senator the Hon George Brandis QC,

We call on you to urgently introduce a law to prevent abusers from cross-examining their victims in family court. 

Signed,

* required fields

Latest activity

Ally , 2031  /  signed 2015-10-21 12:00:13 +1100
Jeni , 4064  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:50 +1100
james , 2607  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:46 +1100
"quite simple, would a court allow someone who assaulted a stranger to cross examine their victim"
Helen , 4883  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:41 +1100
"Women who have been abused, especially over a long period of time, should be able to heal after leaving that relationship. Forcing her to be confronted and questioned in court by her abuser is another form of abuse. One of the backbones of our country, the judicial system, should not support this. Please prevent this from happening again."
Lynn , 2454  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:24 +1100
"To allow the abuser to cross-examine his victim is just another form of abuse, and this abuse is sanctioned by the Government. This seems so obvious. The courts are supposed to protect victims from their abusers. Instead the abuser is given another go at tearing down their victim. This must stop."
Marion , 2303  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:13 +1100
Sheila , 6281  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:59:03 +1100
"Victims should not be subjected to further trauma from their abuser by cross examination on the witness stand! They have suffered enough!"
Fiona , 2290  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:58:55 +1100
"I was in a similar situation. I was too scared to go ahead with it though. You should not be afraid. You need protection. They’ve already broken you. It takes every last bit of strength from deep within you to go through with it. What if they get you before you even get to Court. If you do your confronted by your abuser. Just Evil."
Ian , 2010  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:58:53 +1100
Alan , 2303  /  signed 2015-10-21 11:58:47 +1100
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