Victim-survivors of domestic abuse are being asked to share what family court was like for them in a new Sussex-wide survey. Brighton & Hove City Council announced it in a news release on 12 October, and the survey is open until 17 January 2027 on West Sussex County Council’s Your Voice platform. It takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
Family courts deal with arrangements for children, separation and divorce, adoption and child protection cases. The survey aims to find out what worked well, what challenges people faced and what could be improved.
Who can take part
Anyone aged 18 or over who has experienced domestic abuse and been involved in family court proceedings in Sussex relating to the person who caused them harm. The case can be ongoing or finished.
The project says it is not a complaints process, a way to challenge court decisions, a legal advice service, a review of individual cases or an emergency support service. Concerns about a court decision, court staff or how a case was handled go through the HM Courts and Tribunals Service complaints process instead.
Who is behind it
The survey is a joint project of Brighton & Hove City Council, West Sussex County Council and East Sussex County Council, for the Sussex Family Justice Board. Feedback will go to the board to help identify local improvements to processes, communication, support and partnership working across the family justice system in Sussex.
The council says the findings will also help individual councils support victims and survivors of domestic abuse and improve processes that directly affect them.
What happens next. After the survey closes, responses will be analysed alongside what is learned in survivor workshops. Findings go to the board, recommendations are developed, and a “You Said, We Did” update is due to be published on the survey page. Personal information will not be identified in any published report.
What the council and the board say
Councillor Sam Parrott is the council’s lead member on violence against women and girls. She also featured in our report on the council’s Brighton and Hove World Cup 2026 Warning Give Domestic Abuse the Red Card.
“It is not often taken into consideration that domestic abuse does not end at home and the journey to safety might extend beyond separating.
“Coercive control and economic abuse often continue long after the relationship has ended, and this can have impact on the way the decisions go in court.
“Having to navigate family court proceedings in these circumstances is an extremely challenging and emotionally draining feat and we want to know how we can make this process safer for all and how to best support individuals and families navigating it.
“If this is something you have gone through, we would very much value and welcome your insights which could change this experience for families across Sussex.”
Councillor Sam Parrott, lead member on violence against women and girls, Brighton & Hove City Council
“We know having to go to the family court can have a significant impact on people and we want to make sure improvements are made to minimise or eradicate any trauma that is associated with proceedings.
“We want to help improve safety, communication, support and understanding across the family justice system and so I really hope people will tell us about their experiences, which will help other families in the future.”
Councillor Richard Bates, Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services, West Sussex County Council
“The Sussex Family Justice Board is committed to improving the experiences of children and victim-survivors of domestic abuse involved in family court proceedings.
“We know that listening to people with lived experience is essential if we are to understand what is working well, where improvements are needed and how we can make the family justice system safer, more responsive and more trauma-informed.
“We encourage anyone who has insights to share from their experience of the family justice system to take part in this important survey and help shape future improvements across Sussex.”
Gemma Taylor KC and Kieran Lyons, Co-Chairs of the Sussex Family Justice Board
Taking part safely
The council acknowledges that some people may find it upsetting to think about their experiences. Participants can choose how much they share, take breaks, stop at any time, and come back later to finish the survey if they register for a Your Voice account. The project suggests letting a trusted person, such as a friend, family member, support worker or advocate, know you are taking part.
The project also says that if something shared suggests a risk of serious harm to a person or a child, it may need to act to keep people safe. If you give contact details, that may be followed up under West Sussex County Council’s safeguarding responsibilities.
Prefer a workshop instead?
The project says an online survey may not suit everyone, and that some people may prefer a supported group setting or face accessibility, digital or language barriers. To register interest in a future workshop, email CommunitySafety.Wellbeing@westsussex.gov.uk with “SFJB workshop” in the subject line, your name or preferred name, and whether you live in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex or West Sussex. You do not need to give details of your family court experience at that stage, and registering does not guarantee a place.
Where to get support
If you or someone else is at immediate risk of harm, call 999.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline. 0808 2000 247.
Samaritans. 116 123.
Switchboard LGBT+ Helpline. 0800 0119 100.
Mankind Initiative, support for male victims of domestic abuse. 01823 334244.
NHS 111. 111.
The survey page also lists domestic abuse support services for Brighton & Hove, East Sussex and West Sussex.
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