National Reputation, Local Presence

Domestic Violence                    

 


   

Don't Suffer in Silence - Let us Help You

What Is Regarded As Domestic Violence?

 

Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse that takes place within an intimate or family-type relationship and that forms a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour. The list below can help you to recognise whether you are in an abusive relationship:

  • Destructive criticism and verbal abuse
  • Pressure tactics – withholding money, disconnecting telephone, taking car away, lying to friends about you
  • Disrespect –putting you down
  • Breaking trust – lying to you
  • Isolation– restricting your movements
  • Harassment – following you, opening your mail, checking up on you
  • Threats – angry gestures and shouting
  • Sexual violence– without consent or using force
  • Physical violence – punching, slapping etc
  • Denial – abuser saying it does not happen or that saying it is your fault, apologising and saying it will not happen again

Domestic violence can also take place in lesbian, gay, bi-sexual and transgender relationships, and can involve other family members, including children.

Domestic violence is very common. Research shows that it can affect one in four women in their lifetimes, regardless of age, social class, race, disability or lifestyle.

Who Is Our Service For?

 

Domestic violence can occur regardless of your sex, class, religion, sexuality, age or lifestyle. We work in conjunction with both Women’s Aid and MALE to provide services for both female and male victims of domestic violence.

We recognise that by the time domestic violence victims take that huge step to speak out about their suffering they are almost always in a very vulnerable position, both emotionally and financially. Therefore we are one of the very few firms who offer FULL LEGAL AID to those who are eligible. Just because your partner may earn a full time wage please do not be deterred from contacting us as their earnings will not be taken into consideration as the abuser.

What Can We Do To Help?

 

Our priority is ensuring our clients protection. Subject to eligibility we can apply for:

  1. Non-molestation order– to restrict your abuser from using threatening violence against you or your child
  2. Occupation order– to enable you to return to the family home and the abuser will be excluded. The abuser will also not be able to enter the surrounding area.
  3. Restraining order– can be used if you are not eligible for any of the above. They can be attached to criminal proceedings even when the conviction has not been upheld.

In addition we can also provide advice on emergency temporary accommodation, should this be required.

We can also refer you to other organisations such as the Sanctuary Project who help people to stay safe in their homes following Domestic Violence.

It is also important to remember that domestic violence is a very influential factor when it comes to any future proceedings relating to arrangements for any children. Therefore it is important that action is taken to document its occurrence.

How Long Does It Take To Get Protection From The Court?

If you are in immediate danger of significant harm then an application can be made to court on the same day without your abuser being there. The application will be made in a closed court and only those directly concerned with your case are allowed to enter allowing privacy. Our domestic violence team will aim to have your case in court in a matter of hours and make the process as smooth as possible.

Once I Have The Orders What Protection Do They Provide?

If the abuser in any way breaches the orders then you should immediately call the police. Even though these orders are made in the civil courts breach of a non-molestation order is now a criminal offence which is a serious matter. The abuser will then be brought back before the court within 24 hours.

Please contact Alex Gilbert to see how we might assist you: