Hear Them
We have worked with mothers impacted by the family courts and systems that have failed them, to tell their story in a way that is personal and meaningful to them.
Claire & Kerry
Claire has joined forces powerfully with fellow survivor, Kerry to reflect on an unjust system that has impacted them both deeply, along with their children. It took 7 years for the courts to acknowledge Claire’s sons, Jack and Paul were murdered by their abusive father; while Kerry’s child endured devastating abuse during contact and beyond, with all of them struggling to find support and belief for years.
Watch the full version of ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’, performed by Claire and Kerry here.
Kristina
Kristina tells us in her own words about her experience of the family courts, bringing this to life in a series of illustrations. She introduces her story by saying:
I fought the family courts to save the lives of my two young sons from my abuser. He presented himself as Dr Jekyl in court, but hiding beneath was Mr Hyde. I knew what was best for my children, but professionals refused to listen.
“Imagine, just for a minute, what it’s like to live with someone abusive. Having to hide how terrified you are from your children, whilst fighting for their lives in the family courts.”
“Why do I have to prove his abuse over and over again? Just because there aren’t any bruises, and even though my mind feels even more battered than my body ever could. Living with someone abusive is like being awake through a nightmare.”
“It’s walking a tight-rope that you know you will fall from. One day I am his world, he worships the ground I walk on. The next he’s the cold, calculating, manipulative villain who would like nothing more than me dead.”
“Why is the mother not heard? Why do the professionals think they understand and know what is best for my children when they have absolutely no clue what hell we have lived through.”
Laura
Laura worked with us to create a unique illustration that depicts her experiences with the family justice system and what needs to change. In her own words:
The family courts took my six-year-old son away from me and handed him to the dangerous man who abused me. Despite my child’s pleas and my evidence of domestic abuse, the system failed us both.
“When my six-year-old son was trafficked away from me by the family court system seven years ago, I felt completely alone. I was confused. Some people and institutions turned away, shunning me — presuming I was guilty of the things he accused me of. I didn’t know anyone else going through what I was. I doubted myself, wondering if maybe I had done something wrong.”
“Since then, I’ve learned that what happened to me is happening to women and children all over the world. Every year, tens of thousands of families go through private law proceedings in the UK. Protective parents are dismissed. Children are silenced. Abuse is minimised or reframed as conflict.“
“If you are going through this now, you are not alone — even if it feels that way.
And I want you to know: it is possible to survive this.”
Thank You
We are so grateful to Claire, Kerry, Kristina and Laura for sharing their experiences with us. We will be sharing their powerful film and illustrations across social media to amplify their voices – please do join us in highlighting the injustices they have faced and calling for change to happen.