Domestic abuse

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse can include:

• Physical violence
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Psychological abuse
• Financial abuse
• Coercive control
• Sexual abuse
• Abduction
• Gaslighting
• Forced marriage
• Harassment
• Intimidation

If you or someone you know is experiencing any (or a combination) of the above, it is important to seek help to protect yourself and anyone else around you. It is not easy to seek help but there are options available to stop/prevent the perpetrator from taking the above actions.

What options are availale?

Police

If you are or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call the Police on 999 in the first instance. Aside from looking at criminal proceedings to prosecute the perpetrator, the Police may also consider a restraining order to protect you.

Organisations

There are a number of organisations that can assist as well:

Home | Refuge National Domestic Abuse Helpline (nationaldahelpline.org.uk)
Domestic Abuse Help · National Centre for Domestic Violence (ncdv.org.uk)
Domestic abuse: how to get help - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Domestic abuse - Citizens Advice
Home - Women's Aid (womensaid.org.uk)
Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men | Men's Advice Line UK (mensadviceline.org.uk)
Domestic abuse - Victim Support

Court

You can apply to the court for an injunction. An injunction is a court order which states that the perpetrator should or should not do something. There are two types of injunctions:

• Non-Molestation Orders - This is an order prohibiting someone from being violent or threatening violence. It also usually covers other types of behaviour such as pestering, intimidating or harassing
• Occupation Order - This is an order that regulates the occupation of the home, for example, it might provide for a person to leave the family home and for the other person to occupy it exclusively. It might also provide that the persons involved occupy only certain parts of the home to ensure that contact is limited between them

Other options

Depending on your circumstances, it might be appropriate to send a warning letter to the perpetrator. Also, there is something called 'undertakings' where the perpetrator makes strong 'promises' to do or not to do something.

These alternatives can save the time and expense of going through the court process as well as the anxiety that comes with it. As mentioned, these alternatives may not be suitable in all situations.

How can we help?

Our family law solicitors are sympathetic and assist those suffering from domestic abuse in a compassionate manner. We can help in obtaining protection on an emergency basis if needed.

Our specialists have the experience and knowledge to help you feel safe and protected. We understand how important it is to also feel supported during this time and will work with you as sensitively as possible and at your pace.

For more information please contact Samantha Hickman in our Divorce & Family Law team on 0117 314 5435.