The survey has been designed by Dr Ilona Cairns, a senior lecturer in law at the University of Aberdeen, who is currently researching access to justice issues and evidential challenges in Scottish post-separation contact disputes involving allegations of domestic abuse.

The research fills a gap in Scotland. Although there is widespread concern around the effectiveness of the law relevant to child contact and domestic abuse, and the accompanying risks to victim/survivors (including children), there is a lack of reported case law and, to date, no studies in this area have focussed on the experiences of victim/survivors. 

Through including the perspectives of those who are, or have been, most directly affected, this research aims to identify and analyse ways in which law may be reformed to mitigate evidential and procedural barriers in this area.

The law and policy in this area is currently under review and it is hoped that findings from this research will impact the decision-making of law and policy makers and lead to positive change.

The survey asks a range of straightforward questions across five areas:

1. Legal aid and legal representation;
2. Criminal investigations and proceedings;
3. Child Welfare Reports and Child Welfare Hearings; 
4. Non-harassment orders;
5. Access to justice.

This research has been approved by the Committee for Research Ethics and Governance in Arts, Social Sciences & Business, University of Aberdeen on the 4th March 2025.

The survey can be accessed here.