Domestic Abuse
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police. You can also call the 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247.
Domestic abuse and violence is never your fault. Our Solicitors can get you the Court Orders you need to protect you and your children.
We understand that you are afraid and may even fear for your life. Our Domestic Abuse Solicitors will work fast to ensure you are safe. Once this is achieved, we can advise and represent you on other family matters such as divorce, making arrangements for your children, and reaching a financial settlement.
We are a diverse, multi-lingual law firm that uses best-in-class technology to provide clients with streamlined, modern, and highly effective family law advice and representation. Our years of experience in family law means we have a robust reputation for excellence with the UK’s best Barristers and King’s Counsel, Forensic Accountants, Independent Financial Advisers, Surveyors, Actuaries, and Counsellors who can bring additional support to our family law department if required. Our clients also benefit from our ability to instruct the country’s most respected expert witnesses.
Our family law ethos
Our Family Solicitors are members of Resolution, an organisation of family law professionals who are committed to helping victims of domestic abuse and fought hard to bring the Domestic Abuse Bill into force. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 provides the first definition of domestic abuse, gives police and the Courts stronger powers to protect victims, and amends the Matrimonial and Family Proceedings Act 1984 to prohibit a party to family proceedings who has been convicted of, given a caution for, or is charged with a domestic abuse offence from cross-examining in person a witness who is the victim, or alleged victim, of that offence, and vice versa.
Our highly intelligent and compassionate Solicitors have received training on dealing with the emotional impact of domestic abuse. If you are finding things difficult, we can refer you to support agencies and counsellors that can help you. Our team, which include trained Mediators and members of the Law Society’s Children’s Law Panel, are here to help you escape from your abuser and rebuild your life.
Below are some of the most common questions we receive from clients regarding domestic abuse.
How is domestic abuse defined?
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as follows:
Definition of “domestic abuse”
- (1) This section defines “domestic abuse” for the purposes of this Act.
- (2) Behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) is “domestic abuse” if—
- (a) A and B are each aged 16 or over and are personally connected to each other, and
- (b) the behaviour is abusive.
- (3) Behaviour is “abusive” if it consists of any of the following—
- (a) physical or sexual abuse;
- (b) violent or threatening behaviour;
- (c) controlling or coercive behaviour;
- (d) economic abuse (see subsection (4));
- (e) psychological, emotional or other abuse;
and it does not matter whether the behaviour consists of a single incident or a course of conduct.
- (4) “Economic abuse” means any behaviour that has a substantial adverse effect on B’s ability to—
- (a) acquire, use or maintain money or other property, or
- (b) obtain goods or services.
- (5) For the purposes of this Act A’s behaviour may be behaviour “towards” B despite the fact that it consists of conduct directed at another person (for example, B’s child).
How can a Solicitor protect me from my abuser?
Our Domestic Abuse Solicitors can apply to the Court for a Non-Molestation Order and an Occupation Order.
A Non-Molestation Order bans a person subject to the Order from ‘molesting’ you and your children.
Examples of ‘molestation’ are:
- acts or threats of violence
- abusive language or messages
- stalking
- coercive control
Non-Molestation Orders usually remain in place for six to twelve months. They can be granted without giving notice to your abuser.
An Occupation Order is a Court Order stating who can live in a property or any part of it. The Court can also set out who pays the rent or mortgage and any maintenance costs related to the property.
We can provide fast, accurate advice on obtaining a Non-Molestation Order and an Occupation Order. Once these are in place, we can advise you on the next steps needed to ensure you and your children are protected.
Why choose us?
People choose and recommend us because we care about them, their children, and their future. We are focused on results and achieving them in the most cost-effective, non-confrontational way possible. Our Family Law Solicitors will take care of your legal concerns so you can focus on yourself and your children.
To talk to us about domestic abuse matters, please contact us using the form below.
Further help and support are available from the below organisations.
National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) – 0800 970 20 70
Refuge – 0808 2000 247 (24 hours)
Women’s Aid 0808 200 0247 (24 hours)
ManKind – 01823 334 244
Galop LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428