Support for Domestic Abuse
If you are experiencing domestic abuse, you are not alone. Many people feel unsure about whether what they are experiencing is abuse, or what steps they can safely take to protect themselves and their family.
Our family law team provides confidential, compassionate legal advice to help you understand your options, feel supported, and take practical steps to stay safe.
At a glance
- Speak to us in confidence
- Understand what counts as abuse
- Get urgent legal protection if needed
- Protect yourself and your children
- Receive calm, supportive advice
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can take many forms with the intention of controlling, frightening or harming another person.
There is a statutory definition of “domestic abuse” which states that the behaviour of the perpetrator towards the victim is domestic abuse if both persons are aged 16 or over, are “personally connected” to one other and the behaviour is “abusive.” This applies regardless of gender, sexuality or background
Domestic abuse can take many forms, and it often escalates over time. It therefore may be a single incident or a course of conduct.
Types of Domestic Abuse
Behaviour is considered to be abusive if it takes any of the below forms:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Violent or threatening behaviour
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Economic abuse
- Coercive or controlling behaviour
Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, including men and women, and whether you are in a same sex or different sex relationship.
Controlling and Coercive Behaviour
Controlling behaviour is a range of actions designed to make someone feel dependent or subordinate. This may include isolating them from support, controlling finances, or regulating everyday activities.
Coercive behaviour is a pattern of acts such as threats, intimidation or humiliation used to frighten or punish. These behaviours are taken very seriously by the courts, even where there is no physical violence.
How We Can Help
Our family law team offers discreet and supportive advice in a safe, confidential setting.
We can help by:
- Listening to what has happened, without judgment
- Explaining your legal options clearly
- Advising on urgent protection if you are at risk
- Helping you take steps to protect yourself and any children
If you are in immediate danger, emergency legal action may be possible.
Court Orders for Protection
Where necessary, the court can make urgent orders to protect you and your family.
Non-Molestation Orders
A Non-Molestation Order is an injunction that prevents someone from threatening, harassing or abusing you or your children. Breaching this order is a criminal offence.
Occupation Orders
An Occupation Order can regulate who lives in the family home. It may allow you to return to your home or require the other person to leave, even if they are the sole or joint owner.
Our family law team can advise you quickly on whether these orders are appropriate and help you apply safely.
Domestic Abuse Protection Orders
A Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) is a relatively new Order introduced by the Domestic Abuse 2021. A DAPO is an Order that provides protection for victims of domestic abuse and implements restrictions on the perpetrator including (but not limited to) their ability to communicate with, contact, harass, threaten and/or approach the victim of the abuse.
Domestic abuse is often complex and frightening. Our role is to provide calm, clear advice and help clients take protective steps safely and confidently.
Teresa Davidson, Head of Family Law
Emergency Legal Support
If you are at immediate risk, we can act quickly to seek court protection and advise on enforcement.
The first point of contact for you should always be the police if you believe that you are in immediate danger. This is important as the police have a number of powers available to them and may be able to offer you immediate protection before you obtain legal advice.
Our family law team have your safety, and the safety of any children involved, as their primary focus.
Domestic Abuse and Legal Aid
We are not able to offer legally aided services. However, we will always be clear about costs from the outset and explain your options honestly so you can make informed decisions.
You may also be able to access help and support from certain charities / organisations who can offer additional assistance in protecting you from domestic abuse.
Our family law team have good knowledge of these services and can signpost you accordingly.
The most common injunctions are Non-Molestation Orders, Occupation Orders and Domestic Abuse Protection Orders family law team can explain which may be appropriate based on your situation and help you apply quickly if needed.
Yes. Breaching a Non-Molestation Order is a criminal offence. We can also advise you on what steps to take if an order is breached and how enforcement works.
Yes, these orders are made by the court, but in certain situations applications can be made urgently and sometimes without the other person being present. Our solicitors guide you through this process sensitively.
The length of an order depends on the circumstances of the case. We will explain what is realistic and advise if an extension or variation is needed.
A power of arrest allows the police to arrest someone if they breach certain court orders. We can advise when this applies and what it means for your protection.
Yes. Many people feel uncertain at first. We provide confidential advice to help you understand your situation and explore your options without pressure.
