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The Family Mediation Trust launches fund to tackle domestic abuse in family mediation

The Family Mediation Trust has announced the launch of the Family Mediation Impact Fund (FMIF), a new grant program dedicated to driving innovation and advancing practices in family mediation.

With a clear focus for 2025, the fund aims to transform how mediators assess and assist families impacted by domestic abuse, fostering groundbreaking solutions to this pressing challenge.

This year’s initiative underscores the Trust’s unwavering commitment to enhancing mediation practices and supporting families through conflict resolution. With a maximum fund allocation of £10,000, the FMIF seeks to enable transformative projects that will shape the future of family mediation. Tracy Sortwell, Chair of the Family Mediation Trust, explains the significance of the 2025 fund:

“This year’s fund is an exciting opportunity to challenge existing practices and foster new approaches to support families experiencing domestic abuse. We hope the outcomes of this initiative will set a new standard for how mediators assess and work with these families.”

With domestic abuse now identified in 40% of cases handled by the Family Mediation Trust, the need for innovation in this area is more urgent than ever. As the push to resolve family disputes outside the courtroom grows, mediators will increasingly encounter cases where domestic abuse—including coercive control, parental alienation, and power imbalances—plays a central role.

The inclusion of children as recognised victims of domestic abuse has further expanded the scope of considerations mediators must address, requiring a deeper understanding of how these dynamics impact all family members. Mediators must not only prioritize safety through rigorous assessments but also develop tools to identify and manage these nuanced challenges effectively.

The Family Mediation Trust believes that by fostering innovation through the FMIF, mediation practices can evolve to provide greater support for families affected by domestic abuse. This initiative seeks to ensure that mediators are equipped to address these complex issues with compassion, precision, and a commitment to creating meaningful, lasting change.

Key Objectives for 2025
The FMIF is designed to:

  • Promote Innovation: Develop groundbreaking tools, techniques, and processes to improve outcomes for families navigating mediation.
  • Address Critical Challenges: Provide solutions for mediators working with families impacted by domestic abuse.
  • Foster Collaboration: Encourage partnerships among professionals to share best practices and insights.
  • Raise Standards: Enhance the accessibility, quality, and inclusivity of family mediation services.

Application Process
The Family Mediation Impact Fund is now open for applications. The Trust encourages practitioners, researchers, and organizations to submit proposals that align with the fund’s objectives.

  • Applications Open: January 17, 2025
  • Application Deadline: February 17, 2025
  • Assessment Period: February 17–28, 2025
  • Award Notifications: March 3, 2025

To apply, eligible applicants must provide a detailed overview of their project, including objectives, timeline, expected outcomes, and budget. Full application guidelines and supporting materials are available on the Family Mediation Trust’s website.

A Call to Action
The Family Mediation Trust calls on innovators, professionals, and organizations to step forward with ideas that can redefine how mediators support families affected by domestic abuse. This is an unparalleled opportunity to contribute to a brighter future for family mediation and, ultimately, the families it serves.

For more information or to apply, visit https://www.thefamilymediationtrust.org/family-mediation-impact-fund-1 or contact us at families@thefamilymediationtrust.org.

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