The Backbone Collective believes one of the primary objectives of any system response for women and children who have experienced violence and abuse should be providing the opportunity and support to help them safely rebuild their lives. When women experience violence and abuse they may reach out to ‘the system’ to protect them and keep them safe. The Family Court is a critical part of the response system that women may rely on following separation for protection and further safety. The women who participated in this survey reported serious negative outcomes from being involved with the New Zealand Family Court. Women told us that even though initially they went to the Family Court after separating from an abuser seeking protection and safety they now wish they had never done so. For these women, the Family Court has become the new abuser and many have told us it is worse than the abuser. They have been unable to rebuild their lives as they are trapped in Family Court proceedings for years. During this time they continue to be exposed to violence, abuse and associated trauma and they are unable to ‘move on’ in any way.' (From the executive summary). Information for this report was gathered through an online survey conducted by The Backbone Collective. 612 valid responses were received. Record #5535