Abuse does not become irrelevant simply because it happened during pregnancy or before a child was born. Reproductive coercion can include contraception interference, forced pregnancy, pressure concerning abortion or reproductive treatment and other conduct designed to undermine reproductive autonomy. This guide explains how such allegations may become relevant in Family Court proceedings, what evidence matters and how to present the history without confusing allegation, evidence and finding.

The Court of Appeal’s decision in D (Change of Circumstances: Domestic Abuse Allegations) [2026] EWCA Civ 969 explains that Cafcass can assess safeguarding risks but cannot treat disputed allegations as established facts. The judgment highlights when fact-finding may need reconsideration, the importance of the welfare checklist and practical issues for litigants in person responding to section 7 reports.

AI agents go beyond answering questions: they can potentially work through documents, organise evidence, build chronologies and complete multi-step tasks. For litigants in person, that could be genuinely transformative — but only if AI is directed carefully, evidence is verified and human judgement remains firmly in control.