Instructions for How to Use FVAP’s Custody and Visitation Toolkit for LGBTQIA2S+ DV Survivors

This toolkit is for domestic violence (DV) survivors who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, trans, intersex, and/or something else (LGBTQIA2S+), to help explain important facts to family court judges and child custody mediators, evaluators, and recommending counselors.

The toolkit has 6 documents:

• 3 draft letters to child custody mediators; and
• 3 draft trial briefs (called memoranda of points and authorities).

The letters and brief discuss issues experienced by LGBTQIA2S+ DV survivors, such as higher rates of arrests, restraining orders, and self- defense. They also discuss the unique fears LGBTQIA2S+ DV survivors may have about losing child custody because of one’s sexual orientation or gender identity.

Each letter goes with a different brief.

There’s a letter and brief specifically for:

• DV survivors who are women and not straight,
• DV survivors who are men and not straight, and
• for DV survivors who are not cisgender.

This sheet provides instructions for how to fill out the letter and/or brief that you would like to use.

The different letters and briefs are listed above under supporting resources.