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Over 500 people from around the world joined us live for a powerful and timely webinar: “DV & the Hague Abduction Convention: Safeguarding Survivors.” This international event was jointly hosted by FiLiA Hague Mothers, GlobalARRK, Sanctuary for Families, and Revibra Europa in the lead-up to October’s HCCH Forum on Domestic Violence and the Hague Convention in Brazil. Together, we brought survivor voices, legal expertise, and frontline experience to the table — shining a light on the urgent reforms needed to better protect mothers and children who experience domestic violence within the framework of the Hague Abduction Convention. What We Covered The session featured an exceptional line-up of international speakers — legal and academic experts, frontline professionals, and survivors — who addressed the deep challenges faced by mothers and children navigating the Hague system. Key issues explored included: Why This Matters At the heart of the discussion was a call to re-examine the assumptions underpinning the Hague Abduction Convention and to center the voices of survivors. Mothers and children caught in these cross-border disputes are too often silenced or overlooked, while systemic bias and lack of resources create further harm. By convening this conversation ahead of the HCCH Forum, we sought to amplify survivor experiences, challenge entrenched practices, and put forward practical solutions for safeguarding survivors in Hague cases. About the Hosts Together, we are committed to safeguarding survivors and advocating for a fairer, more protective international system for mothers and children.

GlobalARRK, Filia Hague Mothers, Sanctuary for Families, Revibra Europe and NZ Hague Collective share their joint information poster on the important distinction between harmful and protective ‘abductions’. During the Forum with the HCCH and key legal professionals, we will be making clear the importance of recognising the difference as failing to distinguish between harmful and protective abductions undermines the very principles the Hague Convention seeks to uphold. Protecting children from harm must remain paramount. An international legal response that recognises the reality of domestic abuse, and that does not penalise survivors for seeking safety, is both necessary and urgent. Please download and share the poster here We are seeking donations to support our attendance at the Forum, where CEO Roz will be speaking on the lived experiences of fleeing parents. If you are able to donate, please consider : https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/brazilforum

On August 27, 2025, the Supreme Court of Brazil issued a landmark judgment concerning the application of the 1980 Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction. The Court unanimously affirmed that the Convention is compatible with Brazilian national laws and must protect children’s rights. A central point of the ruling was the interpretation of Article 13(1)(b), which provides an exception to the immediate return of a child when there is grave risk of harm. The Court held that this exception must be read in light of the principle of the best interests of the child and from a gender-based perspective. Importantly, it clarified that domestic violence, even when the child is not a direct victim, can justify preventing a child’s return if objective and concrete signs of risk are present. Beyond this interpretation, the Court mandated several structural reforms to ensure faster and more effective handling of international abduction cases. The recommendations included a resolution within 60 days to accelerate proceedings and ensure decisions are finalised within one year. . Ultimately, the decision reinforces Brazil’s commitment to international cooperation while embedding constitutional principles of child protection and gender sensitivity. It establishes a comprehensive framework that balances swift international compliance with safeguarding vulnerable children and families from domestic violence risks. Our friends at Revibra Europe share further details on the case here: