17/06/2024
In the year ending March 2023, there were 1,453,867 domestic abuse-related incidents and crimes recorded by the police in England and Wales, according to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS).
Domestic-abuse related offences represented 16.2% of all offences recorded by the police in the 12 months to March 2023, with the police receiving a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.
This is a conservative estimate. As many domestic abuse cases go unreported, the real figure is likely to be much higher.
The government says that around 2.3 million adults experience domestic abuse each year, while specialist UK domestic abuse charity Refuge believes that one in four women in England and Wales will experience domestic abuse in her lifetime.
However, despite these statistics, domestic abuse is incredibly isolating. Victims feel very alone, and it can be difficult to know where to turn for help.
At Russell & Russell, we ensure victims of domestic abuse and their families receive the support they need.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is any incident or pattern of incidents that is used by someone to control or obtain power over their partner or ex-partner.
It is not just physical. Domestic abuse can take various forms. Non-physical abuse can be just as devastating as abuse that causes physical harm and all forms of domestic abuse are a crime.
Some common forms of domestic abuse include:
- Physical abuse.
- Sexual abuse.
- Emotional abuse.
- Gaslighting.
- Coercive control.
- Technology-facilitated abuse.
- Economic abuse.
It can be difficult to spot the signs of abuse, and easy to put down an incident as a one-off. The NHS has produced a useful checklist to help you decide whether you might be in an abusive relationship or experiencing domestic abuse.
If you answer yes to any of following questions, it could be a sign of domestic abuse.
Does your partner or someone you live with ever:
- Belittle you, or put you down?
- Isolate you from your family and friends?
- Read your emails, texts, or letters?
- Threaten to hurt you?
- Destroy things that belong to you?
- Slap, hit or punch you?
If you are a victim of domestic violence, it is important to seek help. Speaking to a solicitor who specialises in domestic abuse about any concerns at an early stage can stop the situation from escalating.
If you are concerned about how your partner is treating you, call Russell & Russell today on 0800 103 2600.
Your safety is our primary concern, and we will advise on the various options available to you before agreeing with you on the most appropriate next steps.
How can a solicitor help with domestic abuse?
There are laws to protect you from domestic abuse. The types of orders that may be available to you include:
- A non-molestation order. This is an injunction which stops your partner or the perpetrator of the abuse from being violent towards you, intimidating and harassing you, or communicating with you. Non-molestations orders can be tailored to your individual circumstances and can prevent any particular behaviours that have made you feel unsafe.
- An occupation order. This is an injunction that regulates the family home and can be used to prevent your partner or ex-partner from approaching or returning to a specified property or going within an identified distance around it.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which came into force on 30 April 2021, strengthens protection for the victims of domestic abuse in various ways, for example by recognising coercive and controlling behaviour as domestic abuse under the law for the first time.
The Act also gives police the power to issue a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DVPN) which can provide instant protection for victims by requiring abusers to vacate the home for up to 48 hours, providing time for you to find a safe space.
A solicitor specialising in domestic abuse cases can provide emergency advice on how to protect you and any children involved in the case.
In addition to helping with the legal aspects of your circumstances, solicitors work with organisations that can support you in other areas.
We can refer you to agencies that provide somewhere for you to live while you get back on your feet and, if necessary, can put you in touch with organisations that offer counselling.
We also work with the Department for Work and Pensions which can advise you of any benefits you may be entitled to as well as social services to help support your transition to a new life.
What is a MARAC?
A MARAC is a multi-agency risk assessment conference that is held to discuss ways to help domestic abuse victims at the highest risk of harm.
If you’ve been identified as being at high risk of domestic abuse by someone working with you, for example a health visitor, a MARAC referral will be made, and an independent domestic violence advocate (IDVA) will contact you to provide you with some more information.
You’re not required to be present at a MARAC meeting. It’s attended by representatives from various agencies, such as the local police, probate services, children’s services and health and housing, to discuss options for protecting you and formulating a co-ordinated action plan.
For more information about a MARAC, click here.
Domestic Abuse Solicitors Bolton, Bury, Chester and Surrounding Areas
At Russell & Russell, we understand just how hard it can be for victims of domestic abuse to seek help.
However, speaking to a solicitor who specialises in domestic abuse cases can be the first crucial step towards making a permanent change and escaping the cycle.
Our compassionate and experienced team of domestic violence and emotional abuse specialists provide legal advice and guidance that is proportionate to the concerns you raise.
We take the time to get to know you and understand your situation to come up with solutions that are in your best interests.
If you want some advice about domestic abuse, our solicitors are here to help. To speak to one of our team, please call 0800 103 2600 or request a call back.
For more information about how we can help with cases of domestic violence, click here.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.
Please note that this article is meant as general guidance and not intended as legal or professional advice. Updates to the law may have changed since this article was published.