Our Breaking Bias: Building Justice project is bringing light to gender bias and victim-blaming in our courts.
Victim-survivors of sexual offences and domestic abuse continue to report unfair treatment. We pay attention to how gender bias manifests in the words used in our courtrooms and in the public records, especially by judges. We bring it to light and call it for what it is.
We will pay particular attention to family family courts and private law proceedings, which, until recently, have operated without the benefit of public scrutiny. We will shine a light on a crucial aspect of the state’s infrastructure that makes life-changing decisions every day for victim-survivors of gender-based violence and their children.
Our report “Scratching the Surface: Evidence of Victim-Blaming in Family Courts” identifies subtle but pervasive victim-blaming in published family court judgments. It highlights that few judgments are actually published and they are often self-selected by judges, meaning victim-blaming may be far more widespread than we know. The report makes 10 recommendations to improve transparency, accountability, practice and research.
Through our campaign efforts, we aspire to contribute to a justice system and judiciary that is fully representative, accountable, transparent, and equitable. We are committed to upholding democratic principles and the pursuit of equality for all.
Our Partners
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Family of Jazmine, teenage rape survivor in Hampshire case Campaign AmbassadorsJazmine’s mother and stepfather are ambassadors for our judicial bias campaign after their daughter, Jazmine, was raped by three boys who were spared custodial sentences by Judge Nicholas Rowland.
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Riverlight Campaign PartnerRiverlight is a non-profit that provides support services and resources to survivors and campaigns for legal change that will give victims greater safety and care.
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YOU! Would you like to write for us?If you are an accredited journalist or legal blogger interested in attending Family Court, Right to Equality is providing financial support to attend court and write about your experience. Email us with the subject line Family Court Blog to learn ...
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What are our Goals?
Outcome 1: Evidence the need for policy reform to address gender bias in family court
Outcome 2: Increase reporting and public awareness of private law family court proceedings
Outcome 3: Mandatory training for family court judges on gender-based violence, including rape and sexual abuse
How will we make change?
a) Create a comprehensive report of gender-bias in the family courts
Identify sexist bias in cases post-2017 when PD12J came into force, focusing on judgments available through platforms such as Bailii, the National Archives, and judiciary websites. We will present our findings and recommendations in a comprehensive report in 2026.
b) Encourage more reporting of family court proceedings
Work with journalists and legal bloggers to support and encourage reporting on family court proceedings.
c) Advocate for judicial training to improve the family justice response to gender-based violence, particularly rape and sexual abuse.
In order to oversee rape cases, judges in criminal courts undertake mandatory training on sexual offences and rape myths every three years. There is not the same requirement for family court judges who are making pivotal decisions that impact on the welfare of victims and children.
d) Engage the public, MPs and stakeholders
Use social media and other media outlets to disseminate report findings and recommendations. Engage partners and stakeholders via meetings and events to create momentum on calls for action.
“Judicial bias perpetuates the suffering of domestic abuse victims by creating additional layers of trauma within the legal process- no one should experience harm from the court in the process of seeking safety from abuse. We need bias training, education, and transparency in the legal system in order to protect survivors.”
– Katy Ashworth