Family courts deal with a range of matters, including arrangements for children, separation and divorce, adoption and child protection cases.
The aim of the survey is to find out what worked well during proceedings, what challenges people faced and what could be changed or improved.
Feedback from the survey will be shared with the Sussex Family Justice Board to help identify opportunities for local improvements to processes, communication, support and partnership working across the family justice system in Sussex.
West Sussex County Council supports victim-survivors of domestic abuse through their in-house WORTH Service alongside other partner organisations and will also use the survey feedback to help improve any processes that directly affect people experiencing domestic abuse and their journey through the family courts.
County Council Cabinet Member for Adults’ Services Councillor Richard Bates said: “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.”
Gemma Taylor KC and Kieran Lyons, Co-Chairs of the Sussex Family Justice Board said: “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.”
Anyone aged 18 or over who has experienced domestic abuse and been involved in family court proceedings in Sussex is encouraged to take part.
The survey runs from 12 October to 17 January 2027 and takes 20 to 30 minutes to complete.
Because some people may find it upsetting to think about their experiences, participants can choose how much information they share, return later to complete the survey if they register for a Your Voice account, or stop taking part at any time.
