To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2025, we wanted to focus on looking at victims of domestic abuse, the support they receive and options available. In order to do this, we have spoken to Sheeja Sukumaran.
Sheeja is an experienced family law practitioner, specialising in domestic violence and Private Law Children Act applications. Since joining Goodman Ray in January 2016, she has been instrumental in setting up our Domestic Violence team. With strong connections to domestic violence charities and Victim Support Units, Sheeja has dedicated over 20 years to supporting vulnerable individuals and fighting for justice.
Her unwavering commitment to this field is inspiring. She provides expert legal guidance on Child Arrangements Orders, Prohibited Steps and Specific Issue applications, and Leave to Remove from Jurisdiction applications. She also specialises in emergency applications linked to domestic violence and children matters. Known for her exceptional client care skills, Sheeja ensures that clients feel supported and reassured throughout the legal process.
Sheeja is also a panel member of Resolution and a Law Society Accredited Family Law Panel Member. Most recently, Sheeja has been nominated and shortlisted for the IKWRO True Honour Awards.
Safaa Aouil Ghamzi, paralegal, had a Q&A session with Sheeja:
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in family law, particularly in domestic violence and honour-based abuse?
I have always been passionate about family and children law, but when I started, domestic abuse law was barely recognised. In my early days I recognised that honour-based abuse was a significant problem even before this term was coined and so openly tackled as it is now. Protecting vulnerable victims, particularly women and children was not a priority at the time, and I wanted to change that. I wanted to make a fundamental difference in people’s lives. So, I focused on providing legal advice to women and children fleeing from domestic and honour-based abuse. In addition to this my background was in Human Rights law, which shaped my drive to help those most in need.
2. Who or what influenced you most as a young lawyer?
Throughout my career I have always worked for strong female bosses. They have been motivational and inspiring. I believe that their guidance and leadership have helped pave my route to where I am now.
3. What challenges did you face in the legal field? Did being a woman and a woman of colour add to these challenges?
Absolutely. There were additional hurdles to overcome not just because I was a woman, but because I was a woman of colour. I had to work twice as hard to prove myself in ways that others did not have to. When I started, it was very difficult being a woman of colour in the legal field. It was a challenging landscape, but one that I was determined to navigate.
4. Can you share one of the most memorable or proudest moments of your career?
There have been quite a few over the years, but one I recollect was when my client secured all 15 findings against her estranged husband which was an achievement.
On another occasion I acted for a client who had endured significant domestic and sexual abuse over a 20-year marriage. She had six children, and the father wanted contact. My client was extremely timid, vulnerable and struggled at first to give me any instructions. In addition to this there were language issues. I had to navigate my client through a lengthy, complex court case which lasted over four years. There was a difficult but successful Fact-Finding hearing. The Father appealed and we were successful on appeal. At the Final Hearing there was a No Contact Order made in respect of all six children. It was a powerful moment because, at that time, women from ethnic backgrounds rarely came forward, abuse was culturally accepted as the norm. Fighting for these women meant not just battling abusers but also challenging the legal system itself.
5. How has the legal landscape evolved in terms of protecting individuals from domestic abuse?
There have been significant improvements, but numerous barriers still exist. Victims still struggle with:
- Securing legal representation
- Constant legal aid and funding challenges
- Delays with the police and the criminal justice system
- Ongoing discrepancies with the courts and judicial system
While progress has been made, there is still a long way to go to ensure equal access to justice.
6. What advice would you give to individuals experiencing domestic abuse?
They should initially reach out to a Domestic Abuse charity. These organisations provide holistic support to victims including assistance with securing:
- Legal representation for Family, Housing, Immigration and Welfare Benefits
- Counselling
- Talking Therapy
- Art therapy for children
Before joining Goodman Ray, I was an in-house lawyer where I was on the frontline assisting victims of domestic abuse and providing them urgent legal assistance at the first possible opportunity. I saw firsthand the importance of support networks and recognised that legal battles require a human approach beyond just paperwork.
7. Are there specific laws that need strengthening to protect domestic abuse survivors?
Yes. The Family Law Act needs a major overhaul. One of the main issues is inconsistency, at times Judges in different courts have different approaches to cases, particularly in Fact-Finding hearings. The lack of uniformity is a serious problem that needs addressing. It is clear that the court system does not work efficiently or effectively, and victims of domestic abuse have to struggle through these hurdles, in addition to dealing with the abuse they have suffered.
8. This year’s International Women’s Day theme is “Accelerate Action.” What legal gaps need urgent attention?
There are still so many gaps, particularly when it comes to opportunities for women of colour in the legal field. We need to ensure that measures are in place to address systemic barriers and biases affecting women. We need to support initiatives that empower women and challenge discrimination, so collectively we can accelerate the journey toward a more equitable world. Today, times have changed, but women of colour still face additional barriers both in accessing justice and advancing in their careers.
9. What advice would you give to young lawyers, particularly women and those from diverse backgrounds?
- Choose an area of law you are interested in
- Explore and understand the profession you are embarking on
- Be strategic about where you work—seek out firms that support diversity
- Work hard, listen carefully, follow instructions, ask questions and recognition will follow
- Develop good communication skills
- Develop good relationships with your clients
- Never underestimate your own abilities
- Be prepared to be the only woman or person of colour in the room but do not let that deter you
10. How did it feel to be nominated and shortlisted for the IKWRO True Honour Awards?
It was an honour to be recognised. Due to the nature of my work, my main focus has always been on my clients and securing protection for victims of domestic abuse. I have worked in the field of domestic abuse with no focus on accolades or external validation. However, in my cases I achieve a high success rate, where my clients and their children are protected and are free to live their lives without fear. This in itself is usually enough for me. I set up the Domestic Abuse Team in Goodman Ray in 2016, the team has grown, is successful and has an outstanding reputation in this field. To now see recognition for this work is truly rewarding.
We are incredibly proud to have Sheeja Sukumaran at Goodman Ray Solicitors. It is because of women like her that the next generation of female lawyers, including women of colour and those of diverse backgrounds, have a smoother path when accelerating forward.
Contact us today
If you have any questions or wish to get legal advice on any of the topics raised above, please feel free to ring us 020 7608 1227.
Alternatively, email Sheeja, Senior Associate at Goodman Ray.
