At EB & Co. Mediation, safety is at the heart of everything we do. Mediation can be a constructive and empowering way to resolve issues during separation, but only when it is safe for everyone involved. That’s why we welcome the Family Mediation Council’s new project, funded by the Family Mediation Trust, to enhance domestic abuse screening in mediation.
Why Domestic Abuse Screening Matters
Domestic abuse is not always visible. It can be physical, emotional, financial, or coercive, and it may not be disclosed openly at the outset of a mediation process. Robust screening helps identify whether mediation is suitable and, if so, how it can be conducted in a way that prioritises safety and fairness for all participants.
Screening ensures that:
- Risk factors are identified early so mediation is only undertaken if it is genuinely safe to do so.
- Appropriate safeguards are put in place, such as shuttle mediation (where parties are in separate rooms) or online sessions.
- Participants feel able to speak freely without fear of intimidation or harm.
What the New Project Aims to Do
The FMC’s new project will explore best practice in domestic abuse screening, with the goal of improving training, tools, and procedures for mediators. Funded by the Family Mediation Trust, this initiative will help mediators identify risks more effectively, respond appropriately, and ensure that those experiencing abuse have the right support and signposting to other services if mediation is not suitable.
This work will also build on existing standards, giving mediators additional resources and confidence to make nuanced, informed decisions about the safety and suitability of mediation.
How This Benefits Families
For families, enhanced domestic abuse screening means:
- Safer decision-making about whether mediation is appropriate.
- Better access to tailored support if mediation is not safe or needs to be adapted.
- Increased trust in the mediation process, knowing that safety is taken seriously at every stage.
Ultimately, these safeguards ensure that mediation remains a constructive process—focused on reaching agreements that are fair, workable, and reached without coercion.
Our Commitment at EB & Co. Mediation
We are committed to creating a safe, respectful environment for every client. Our accredited mediators are trained to screen for domestic abuse at the Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) and throughout the process. If concerns are identified, we adapt the process or recommend alternative routes that protect all parties.
Separation is a difficult journey, but it should never come at the cost of safety. By strengthening domestic abuse screening, the FMC’s project reinforces the principle that mediation should empower—not endanger—the people it serves.
We’re Here to Help
If you would like to learn more about mediation and how we prioritise safety, contact us today. We are here to guide you through separation with clarity, care, and the protection you deserve.
How Can EB & Co. Mediation Help?
At EB & Co. Mediation, we specialise in helping families resolve disputes amicably, without the stress and expense of court proceedings. We offer Mediation Information and Assessment Meetings (MIAMs) and tailored mediation sessions to address financial, child arrangement, and property disputes. Engaging in mediation early not only empowers you to shape your own solutions but also helps you avoid the potential costs of court-imposed orders. Our team is here to guide you through every step, including navigating the recent changes to Family Procedure Rules.
Our skilled mediators create a neutral and supportive space where both parties can express their concerns openly and collaboratively. With a focus on practical and family-centred solutions, we’re committed to making the mediation process as smooth and productive as possible.
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