Professional, compassionate legal advice for victims of domestic violence
Domestic violence can be a highly sensitive and frightening time in your life. Our specialist solicitors are compassionate and experienced in helping people through these tough times. If you have been subject to domestic violence and need legal protection, contact us immediately.
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What is Domestic Violence?
The UK Government defines domestic violence as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.”
When people think of domestic abuse, it is easy to just think of physical abuse, however it is not limited to this. It can also be psychological and emotional abuse. This could involve acts of verbal abuse, threatening behaviour, online abuse, and harassment among other forms. It can be directed towards any person of any social group, class, race, lifestyle, disability and religion. Any kind of manipulation or coercive behaviour is not acceptable in a relationship and as such, you should contact someone for support immediately if you have suffered abuse for your own wellbeing and safety.
What can be done?
There are a variety of approaches to resolving domestic violence. As each case is different in its nature, our family solicitor will help to review your situation so that the most relevant and effective decision or injunction can be made.
The available options include:
- Warning letters sent to the abuser
- Applications to court for orders to prohibit further abuse (known as a Non-Molestation Order)
- Applications to the court for orders to allow the victim to live in the family home to the exclusion of the perpetrator of violence. Court orders of these types can often be made the same day. (known as an Occupation Order)
Our Family Law specialists
Injunctions in further detail
A Non-Molestation order is specifically to prevent any further threatening behaviour and to prevent molestation. If the abuser breaches this order that has been made in your and/or any children’s best interests, it is classed as a criminal offence and the police should be notified straightaway. The police will then make an arrest to question the perpetrator and it will then be in the hands of the court to decide the terms of the breach and what actions should be taken.
An Occupation Order is created to determine who can and can’t reside in a home for the protection of you and any children who may be involved. Someone may be prohibited from entering a house completely, or just from entering specific areas of the building depending on individual cases. Again, it is an offence to break the terms of an Occupation Order.
How can Switalskis help me?
Our solicitors and specialist teams can also work with you should you be ending an abusive relationship and wish to receive advice in areas such as divorce or your children. We understand the severity of cases and recognise how they can impact your life. We provide a face-to-face, considerate service and it is best to contact us as soon as possible should you need advice.
Call us today on 0800 138 0458 or contact us through the website and we will call you back.
