Domestic abuse has no boundaries, it is found in every part of society. It is defined as any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.  Children suffer harm by witnessing abuse towards others as well as themselves.

Our specialist team is led by Paul Dodds and Julie Hodge, both Partners in the firm. Paul and Julie hold Resolution Specialist Accreditation in Domestic Abuse.  We can help you to leave safely and obtain an injunction to protect yourself from further abuse.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Physical violence for example slapping, pushing, kicking or  punching, damage to property or items of value as well as more serious violent assault.  Economic abuse such as stealing, depriving or taking money, running up debt, withholding benefit books or bank cards.  Sexual violence such as  any non-consensual sexual activity including rape, indecent assault or coercing sexual activity.  Restricting freedom such as  controlling who the abused person sees and where they go and where or what they do or stalking the abused.

Injunctions.

An injunction is a Court Order. There are two types of injunction usually available:

Non-Molestation Order.

A Non-Molestation Order will prohibit the perpetrator from using or threatening violence against the applicant client or their children or from pestering, intimidating or harassing them in order to ensure safety & wellbeing.

The police can arrest without warrant anyone who has breached a Non-Molestation Order.

Occupation Order.

An Occupation Order   refers to the use of the jointly occupied former matrimonial home.  Such orders can exclude someone from the property even if it is jointly owned or jointly rented & can also exclude them from the area near to the property.

A glossary of some of the terms that you might hear if you go to court can be found by clicking here

Contact us for further information or to arrange an appointment.  Our fees for the services that we offer are set out on our website but we are happy to meet with you free of charge to discuss any aspect of our charges that are is unclear to you.  We represent people facing serious life changing circumstances and charge fees for our services.  All fees are agreed in advance.  There are no hidden charges.  We will treat you with kindness and respect and provide you with best advice.  Unless you qualify for legal we do not offer a free of charge advice service.