Domestic abuse

The protection and welfare of individuals and children is at the forefront of what we do. Within our team we have specialists who know that those impacted by domestic violence need sensitive, tailored advice and support.

What is domestic abuse?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to control someone. It can happen at any point in a relationship, including after you have split up. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity and it can take different forms:

  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • financial abuse
  • coercive and controlling behaviour, including gaslighting and emotional abuse
  • digital and online abuse
  • so-called 'honour-based' violence
  • forced marriage
  • female genital mutilation (FGM).

The impact of domestic abuse is varied and complex and can have far reaching psychological and physical implications for both adults and children.

How can a family lawyer help?

Our specialist domestic abuse solicitors can help by explaining the legal options that are open to you. Although 1 in 5 people are likely to experience domestic abuse, we know that navigating the legal system can be daunting and many survivors choose not to involve the police. We also know that acting quickly may be necessary.  

We can help by advising on: 

  • whether you are eligible for legal aid
  • the protective injunctions that are available in the Family Court
  • the impact of domestic abuse allegations in children proceedings
  • immigration issues
  • the crossover with any criminal proceedings 

What are the protective injunctions available in the Family Court?

An injunction is a court order which tells someone to do something or not do something. Ignoring an injunction (often called “breaching”) has serious consequences and can lead to imprisonment.  

To help ensure that you are not subjected to abuse in the future, you can apply an injunction to stop your abuser from using or threatening violence against you or your children, or intimidating, harassing or pestering you. This is called a non-molestation order. As molestation is not defined, it can be used to stop lots of different types of behaviour even if it is not physically violent, for example, online or text message communications. Breaching a non-molestation order is now a criminal offence and a power of arrest is automatically attached to the order.  

Occupation orders go a step further and set out who can or cannot live in the family home. They often restrict an abuser’s access to the family home or some part of it, and also potentially the surrounding area. Occupation orders can even exclude a property owner from their own property. Breaching an occupation order is not automatically a criminal offence. However, where violence has been threatened, the occupation order is very likely to include a power of arrest meaning, if there is a breach, the police can arrest the abuser.  

With both injunctions, and when deciding whether or not to make the injunction, court will take into account all the circumstances of the case including the need to protect the health, safety and well-being of all those involved, including any children. 

You may hear people talking about without notice applications and with notice applications. Applications for injunctions can be made either with or without notice to your abuser.  When making a court application, you are usually required to let the other person named in your application know that you have made the application before the court has made a decision. This is called “with notice”. There is then usually one hearing which you both get invited to attend and where you both get to put across your version of what’s happened and your arguments about what the court should (or should not) do. “With notice” applications are the most common way of doing things.  

In certain situations though it is possible to ask the court to make a decision on something without letting the other person know you have asked the court to do this. This is called a “without notice” application. The circumstances have to be exceptional to justify a “without notice” application and include where there a risk of significant harm happening to you or a child if the injunction is not made immediately. If a “without notice” application is made, then there are two court hearings. At the first just you attend and you explain to the court what you want and why.  If the injunction is made, then that gets sent to your abuser and you are both then invited to a second court hearing where you each get to put your version of what’s happened across and the court makes a final decision.  

How we can help

You are not alone.

Nationally recognised, our domestic abuse solicitors work with both female and male survivors. We regularly work with families where domestic abuse is being alleged or where criminal charges have been brought or are being considered.  

We are experienced in advising on protective injunctions, reporting the abuse to the police, social services and other agencies. By working closely with those providing services to domestic abuse victims (for example IDVAs – independent domestic violence advocates / advisors) we can help ensure those impacted by domestic abuse are supported and empowered. We have strong connections with professionals who offer emotional and therapeutic support.

We also work closely with victims and those impacted by domestic abuse to consider how such abuse should impact the arrangements for their children. In 2021, we acted for a parent in the leading case Court of Appeal case of Re H-N [2021] EWCA Civ 448 which altered the landscape of how the court approaches domestic abuse allegations in family proceedings.

Ready to talk to us?

Our team of specialist family lawyers are here to support you if you're facing issues related to domestic abuse. Speak to our team today. 

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Resources

In this vlog, Caitlin and Claudia discuss the sort of work that Claudia does with families who are in high conflict and in particular, the important role that fact finding hearings play in cases involving domestic abuse and the recent developments in this law in this area following the reported case of Re H-N.

Explaining family law podcast

Facing a family law issue and not sure what's involved? Our podcast is the right place to start.

Family and children blog

Our family and children law blog provides practical advice and insight on a wide range of topics by our family and children lawyers.

Family law vlogger YouTube

On our YouTube channel, Caitlin Jenkins, the Family Law Vlogger gives you guidance on your first step in sorting out your issues.

Domestic abuse FAQs

If you or your children are in immediate danger, get help and contact the police urgently. They will attend the scene to protect you. Only stay at the family home if you believe it is safe to do so. If not, stay with relatives or friends if you can. If this is not possible, refuges are available for domestic abuse sufferers and the local authority has a duty to provide emergency accommodation.

It is important to talk to someone. Whether it is a family member or friend, medical professional or charity, they will be able to offer you support. You can find some suggestions on our Useful Resources page.

As family lawyers, we can help you obtain protection in the Family Court by applying for an occupation order or a non-molestation order (or both) to protect you and any children from future abuse.

A non-molestation order is a type of injunction obtained in the Family Court to protect you from abuse. It can be used to stop the abuser from being violent or intimidating towards you and stop them from contacting you by any forms of social media, email or telephone. 

An occupation order is a form of injunction which deals specifically with the family home. If an occupation order is granted, the Family Court can order the abuser to leave the property and/or remain a certain distance away from the property.  

Applications for non-molestation and occupation orders are free. However, instructing legal representatives will come at a cost.

Legal aid is only available where you can show that you cannot afford legal costs and that there is a serious problem. To meet this, you will need to provide evidence of the abuse for example from the police, social services, a refuge manager, a doctor or domestic violence support service. In addition, you must meet the means and merits test. In establishing whether the financial criteria are met, you will be required to detail your income, benefits, savings and property ownership. Although we do not offer legal aid services, we would be happy to discuss estimated costs with you in relation to making an application.

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