Advocating for abuse survivors, Human Rights and Legal Reform

At Riverlight, we:

  • Amplify the voices of victims and survivors of abuse

  • Campaign to uphold human rights and drive law reform

  • Raise social awareness that sheds light on the complex dynamics of abuse and oppressive legislation

  • Beyond campaigning and raising awareness, we provide direct support to victims and survivors through our online support groups

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Thank you Dr Tamara Polajnar for the video.
Jina Amini, you are never forgotten
Jina Amini, you are never forgotten
Please help us get the word out on this important crowdfunder
Please help us get the word out on this important crowdfunder
Perpetrators hide behind their social standing.
Perpetrators hide behind their social standing.
Male violence against women & girls is a global emergency. The urgency cannot be overstated.
Male violence against women & girls is a global emergency. The urgency cannot be overstated.
The disconnect between the criminal court and family court
Despite these provisions in England and Wales under Practice Direction 12J stating: “ …that the physical and emotional safety of the child and the parent with whom the child is living can, as far as possible, be secured before, during an
Despite these provisions in England and Wales under Practice Direction 12J stating: “ …that the physical and emotional safety of the child and the parent with whom the child is living can, as far as possible, be secured before, during and after contact…” (36.2a) Many survivors report that their well-being has not been taken into consideration at all when contact orders are being made. These court-mandated arrangements effectively tether survivors to their past trauma.
"There's nothing more painful than hearing it from the judge."
"There's nothing more painful than hearing it from the judge."
The erosion of women’s rights and bodily autonomy is disturbingly clear. These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, insidious trend aimed at systematically erasing women’s autonomy and diminishing their role in socie
The erosion of women’s rights and bodily autonomy is disturbingly clear. These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, insidious trend aimed at systematically erasing women’s autonomy and diminishing their role in society.
You can vote for us here: https://www.unwomenuk.org/awards-nominate/
You can vote for us here: https://www.unwomenuk.org/awards-nominate/
With the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who witness abuse, or are related to either the perpetrator or the victim, are now formally recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, even if they do not directly witnes
With the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who witness abuse, or are related to either the perpetrator or the victim, are now formally recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, even if they do not directly witness the abuse.
Incredibly pleased for the feature on this very important issue. The courtroom should be a safe space for survivors, not a place where they are re-traumatised. Our campaign has made significant strides in exposing the concerning language and attitu
Incredibly pleased for the feature on this very important issue. The courtroom should be a safe space for survivors, not a place where they are re-traumatised. Our campaign has made significant strides in exposing the concerning language and attitudes that abuse survivors have encountered in family court proceedings. The response has been overwhelming. Thank you for standing with us in this fight for justice. You can read the full feature here: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/family-court-judges-misogyny-domestic-abuse-b2595125.html You can read our full campaign report here: https://www.riverlight.org.uk/campaign
The dawn of women's rights
The dawn of women's rights
Breaking Bias, Building Justice campaign
Breaking Bias, Building Justice campaign
Link to the crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-abuse-survivors-in-accessing-court-records
Link to the crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-abuse-survivors-in-accessing-court-records
Screenshots of survivor experiences included to show a history of judge's conduct. Full judgment here: https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2023/105.html&query=%28Dexter%29+AND+%28dias%29+AND+%28kc%29+AND+%28parental%2
Screenshots of survivor experiences included to show a history of judge's conduct. Full judgment here: https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2023/105.html&query=%28Dexter%29+AND+%28dias%29+AND+%28kc%29+AND+%28parental%29+AND+%28responsibility%29
Survivor Forum
Survivor Forum
Thank you Dr Tamara Polajnar for the video.
Jina Amini, you are never forgotten Please help us get the word out on this important crowdfunder Perpetrators hide behind their social standing. Male violence against women & girls is a global emergency. The urgency cannot be overstated.
The disconnect between the criminal court and family court
Despite these provisions in England and Wales under Practice Direction 12J stating: “ …that the physical and emotional safety of the child and the parent with whom the child is living can, as far as possible, be secured before, during an "There's nothing more painful than hearing it from the judge." The erosion of women’s rights and bodily autonomy is disturbingly clear. These actions are not isolated incidents but part of a broader, insidious trend aimed at systematically erasing women’s autonomy and diminishing their role in socie You can vote for us here: https://www.unwomenuk.org/awards-nominate/ With the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who witness abuse, or are related to either the perpetrator or the victim, are now formally recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right, even if they do not directly witnes Incredibly pleased for the feature on this very important issue. The courtroom should be a safe space for survivors, not a place where they are re-traumatised. Our campaign has made significant strides in exposing the concerning language and attitu The dawn of women's rights Breaking Bias, Building Justice campaign Link to the crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/support-abuse-survivors-in-accessing-court-records Screenshots of survivor experiences included to show a history of judge's conduct. Full judgment here: https://www.bailii.org/cgi-bin/format.cgi?doc=/ew/cases/EWFC/OJ/2023/105.html&query=%28Dexter%29+AND+%28dias%29+AND+%28kc%29+AND+%28parental%2 Survivor Forum

  • Domestic violence is not just a personal or private issue - it is a public health issue that requires a comprehensive response from policymakers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community organisations.

  • Domestic violence is often underreported. Many victims do not report abuse to the authorities due to fear, shame, or lack of resources.

  • It takes on average 7 attempts before a victim leaves their abuser.

  • Domestic violence disproportionately affects women and girls. In the UK, an estimated 1.6 million women experienced domestic abuse in the year 2020.

 

What People Are Saying About Riverlight

“Your work is SO important, thank you for being the voice for so many who are too scared to make their own voice heard. And especially thank you for challenging the UK court system which seems set up to defer to abusers.”

— Anonymous

“Your content is so validating. Thank you for being a source of strength.”

— Anonymous

“Thank you for articulating what so many of us are struggling to verbalise right now. Thank you for making me feel seen and understood.”

— Anonymous

“To the heroes behind this organisation: THANK YOU!”

— Anonymous