Domestic violence: what can you do?

This past week #ViolenceIsViolence: Domestic abuse advert Mankind has made headlines across the country. The video (which can be watched below) depicts two different scenarios of domestic abuse, the results of which are concerning at best. *Warning, video contains strong language.

Help with Domestic violence

It has recently been reported that on average around seven women and two men are killed by their current or former partner every month in England and Wales.

Domestic violence is a serious issue and one which can sometimes be overlooked when seeking the advice of a “divorce lawyer”. Aside from the criminal sanctions available in situations where there is violence between couples or former couples there are also orders which can be sought under the Family Law Act 1996 to prevent a partner or former partner harassing you or even being within a certain distance from you and potentially any children.

Orders can also be sought in relation to the occupation of the family home, for example, to exclude the perpetrator from that property. Orders under the Family Law Act are usually accompanied by a penal notice which means that any breach should lead to arrest by the police. The first step should always be to report matters to the police but sufferers of domestic violence should not feel that there is nothing else that can be done.

It is also important not to forget that there are varying levels of abuse. If you are unsure as to whether what you are suffering is “serious enough” to warrant orders being sought then you should speak to a specialist family solicitor.

For a consultation please email: james.maguire@family-law.co.uk or telephone +44(0) 1625 544650