Full Survey Report 2025

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This report would not have been possible without the courage of the 2,072 family court survivors who shared their experiences through this survey. Their willingness to break their silence and document these painful experiences represent an act of profound bravery aimed at protecting future children and families.

We extend our gratitude to Project Justice USA team members and volunteers for their dedication to this project, and to the domestic violence organizations, researchers and advocacy groups that helped distribute the survey to reach survivors across the nation.

Most importantly, we acknowledge the children whose voices have been silenced by the system meant to protect them. This report is dedicated to ensuring their experiences are finally heard and that meaningful reform follows.

“Breaking the Silence” presents analysis of survey responses from 2,072 family court participants collected between November 30, 2024 and August 18, 2025. The comprehensive analysis examines self-reported experiences across nearly two decades of family court involvement (2006-2025), with the majority of respondents representing mothers (93.9%) who are survivors of domestic violence or coercive control (92%). This national survey was designed to identify patterns and inform policy discussions by elevating the voices of vulnerable populations who enter the family court system.