Domestic violence lawyers

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence and abuse can take multiple forms, and refers to any behaviour used to control, intimidate or cause harm to a partner, spouse or family member. It can include physical acts of violence or sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse, and controlling or coercive behaviour.

In most cases, domestic violence occurs within relationships and is carried out by a partner or ex-partner, though it can also be perpetrated by another family member or carer.

Domestic violence and abuse is a criminal offence in the UK. If you are the victim of domestic violence or abuse by a partner, spouse or family member, our expert solicitors can provide legal advice to help protect you from further harm.

Are there different forms of domestic violence?

Perpetrators of domestic violence may use many different methods to inflict harm or exercise control over a partner or family member. Forms of domestic violence include:

• Physical violence
• Sexual abuse
• Psychological or emotional abuse
• Financial abuse
• Controlling or coercive behaviour

Every form of domestic violence is a criminal offence in the UK. If you or a family member is suffering from domestic violence, there is support available to protect you from further harm.

You can speak to the police, or for more information about the legal help and protection you can obtain, speak to our domestic violence lawyers now on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to arrange a call back at a time that suits you.

What should I do if I’m the victim of domestic violence?

No one has the right to subject you to domestic violence, harassment or abuse. Yet many people live in fear of violent and abusive partners, with devastating effects on their own lives, and often the lives of their children too.

Naturally, calling the police is one way to handle distressing situations like this. However, if you need advice about the protection you can obtain - and don't wish to bring criminal charges - you might want to consider talking to one of our experienced domestic violence solicitors.

They are here to help you with expert advice and a variety of legal solutions that can give you the protection you deserve. You can also rest assured that we handle every call and every case in complete confidence, to ensure your safety.

If you are the victim of domestic violence, call our domestic abuse solicitors now on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today and we will call you.

What legal protections are available if I’m experiencing domestic violence?

If you are experiencing domestic violence or abuse, or you are worried about the safety of your children, there are legal protections that can safeguard you and your family from harm by an abuser. This includes:

• Calling the police: all forms of domestic violence and abuse are against the law in the UK. You can report your abuser’s behaviour to the police, which can result in your abuser facing criminal charges and a potential prison sentence. If you or your children are in immediate danger, call 999 for emergency help.
• Court orders: where you or your children are at risk of domestic violence, the family court can grant different injunctions to protect you from a family member. This includes a restraining order, a non-molestation order, or in extreme cases, an occupation order. Learn more about court orders here.

What evidence do I need to prove domestic violence or harassment?

For many of those who experience domestic violence, the burden of providing evidence to prove their abuser’s behaviour can seem overwhelming and disheartening, which can in turn make some reluctant to act for fear of their abuser’s behaviour escalating.

It is important to remember that the burden of proof is different for criminal and civil cases. In a criminal case, the abuse must be proved “beyond reasonable doubt”, while civil cases operate on the “balance of probabilities”.

This means that even if it is not possible to pursue a case in a criminal court, you can still be protected by a civil family court. In these cases, you will need to prove that the allegations are more likely than not. Some of the evidence that might be requested includes:

• Medical records
• Photo or video evidence of the abuser’s behaviour or the injuries inflicted
• Police reports, including any forensic evidence they may have collected
• Communications, such as texts or emails
• Witness statements

If you have any concerns about evidencing your allegations, you don’t need to struggle alone. Speak to our friendly family law team confidentially on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to discuss your case. Our team will take some details of your case and provide you with the legal expertise you need to protect yourself and your family.

What support is available for children affected by domestic abuse?

Domestic violence and abuse often has a huge impact on children, even if the child themselves are not directly harmed.

Since the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children who have been exposed to domestic abuse are now legally recognised as victims of abuse as opposed to witnesses, recognising the emotional and psychological harm living in an environment of violence can do.

There are many charities and support organisations across the UK who provide vital services for children affected by domestic abuse. This includes (to name just a few):

• The NSPCC is one of the largest children support charities in the UK and is the only charity with statutory powers to act if a child or young person is at immediate risk of harm, including applying for court orders. They provide help, advice and support to thousands of families dealing with domestic violence or abuse.
• ChildLine is a free, 24/7 support services run by the NSPCC for children and young people dealing with a range of issues, including bullying, mental health, and domestic violence and abuse. Children can contact the service on the phone or via chat services, email, or message boards.
• Barnardos provides counselling services for children and young people to have been impacted by domestic abuse, as well as supporting parents in supporting and caring for their children.

How can a domestic abuse solicitor assist with my case?

In many domestic violence or abuse cases, taking the first step is the hardest. It can be difficult to know where to start or how to protect you – and any children you may have – from further harm.

A domestic abuse solicitor can support you and your family in many different ways, including providing vital legal advice and gaining protection orders from the court, as well as putting you in touch with local and national support services.

Specific actions a domestic abuse solicitor can take include:

• Explaining your legal rights and how the law could be applied to your case
• Applying to the court for protection orders, such as a non-molestation or occupation order
• Support you in gathering evidence for the court, such as police reports, medical records, photographic and video evidence, and witness statements
• Provide advise on how to handle issues such as housing and child custody arrangements
• Help you to take emergency action where there is an immediate risk of danger to children, such as applying for an emergency protection order that can be granted by the courts quickly

Why choose Slater and Gordon’s domestic abuse solicitors?

Ending a relationship because of domestic violence or other forms of abuse can be difficult and stressful. We have a team of lawyers who specialise in domestic abuse cases and can assist with your situation, without judgement and in complete confidentiality.

You can find out more about how they do this by reading our legal advice guide to Domestic Violence & Harassment.

• We are ranked in the independent legal directory Chambers and Partners and in the Legal 500, showcasing our dedication to providing outstanding family law services
• Many members of our family law team have also been individually recognised in the Legal 500
• We are Lexcel accredited, which was introduced by The Law Society as a quality mark for client cases, practice management and legal compliance
• We’re regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
• We pride ourselves on finding amicable solutions where possible, while ensuring your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process to achieve the best outcome for you and your family
• We’re proud members of Resolution, an organisation of family justice professionals committed to promoting a constructive approach to family issues that considers the needs of the whole family
• We have dedicated family offices nationally, including Manchester, Wirral, Liverpool and London, bringing national expertise to your doorstep.