Domestic Abuse Solicitors

Types of Domestic Abuse

There are many types of domestic abuse, this can include but not limited to, the following:

Emotional abuse;
Sexual abuse;
Financial abuse;
Psychological abuse;
Coercive control
Digital or online abuse;
Harassment;
Stalking

What is emotional abuse?

Emotional abuse involves controlling another person by using emotions to criticise, embarrass, shame, blame, or otherwise manipulate them. This usually wears down a person’s self-esteem or undermine their mental health. Emotional abuse can chip away at a person’s self-esteem and make them feel extremely low.

What is sexual abuse?

Sexual abuse involves forcing a partner to take part is a sexual act when the partner does not consent.

What is financial abuse?

Financial abuse is when your partner controls you having access to your finances which makes you become financially dependent of them. An example of this could be that you have to ask for permission when you want to buy something that you need.

What is psychological abuse?

Psychological abuse is sometimes referred to as emotional abuse but there is a slight difference. Psychological abuse involves the use of verbal and social tactics to control someone’s way of thinking, such as “gas lighting”. Gas lighting tends to happen gradually in a relationship and is a pattern of behaviour in which your partner intentionally denies that events happened in the way that you know that they happened. Your partner will often twist your emotions, words, and experiences and use them against you, which causes you to question your reality, to doubt your own judgment and memory, and to make you feel that you are “going crazy.”

What is coercive control?

Coercive control is an act, or a pattern of acts, of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation that abusers use to harm, punish or frighten their partner. It doesn’t relate to a single incident – it is a purposeful pattern of behaviour. An example of this could be that your partner isolates you from your family and friends. Another example could be that they monitor how you spend your time.

What is digital abuse?

Digital abuse is when someone monitors, stalks, harasses, threatens, controls or impersonates another person using technology. This could involve stalking through social media, harassment by text message or humiliation by posting pictures or videos.

Domestic Abuse

FAQs

How do I get help for domestic abuse?

It is important to know that you are not alone, you should tell someone in the first instance.

You can also contact the police or obtain a Non-Molestation Order. We can assist you in obtaining protection for yourself.

There are also many organisations that offer assistance and support such as Women’s Aid.

What are Domestic Violence Protection Orders?

Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO) are designed to offer short-term protection to people who have suffered from domestic violence. They are granted when a domestic violence incident has occurred but the case is still under investigation or has not been resolved. The order mandates the suspected perpetrator of domestic violence to return to their home and have any contact with their partner after an incident.

A DVPO normally lasts for up to 28 days and is usually granted when there is not enough evidence to charge the perpetrator with domestic abuse.

What are Non-Molestation Orders?

A Non-Molestation Order is a type of injunction that you can obtain through the Family Courts to prevent your ex-partner from causing you harm. Harm doesn’t just mean physical harm but it could be emotional abuse or coercive control.

In order to obtain a Non-Molestation Order you must be ‘associated persons’. This means that the person must be your ex-partner or a family members.

There are serious consequences if your ex-partner or family members breaks a Non-Molestation Order, they could be arrested and this could result in a custodial sentence of up to 5 years.

What is a Domestic Violence Protection Notice?

A Domestic Violence Protection Notice is a Notice that is issued by the police to protect a person experiencing domestic violence.

What action can I take to protect myself from domestic abuse?

You should find somewhere safe to stay or ask the person who is harming you to leave. You then should report their behavior to the police and get a court order to prevent them from harming you. You can also obtain support from organisations that provide help and support such as Women’s Aid.

Flexibility We are available for urgent hearings at Court and remotely if required.

Expertise Our team has members of the Law Society Children Panel and Resolution. We are specialists in Children Law.

Established We have a good reputation for delivering Children Law advice.

Legal Aid This is generally available to all parents. We will guide you through the application process.

Location We cover hearings throughout the Midlands and occasionally further afield.

Communication The team is contactable by mobile phone, email, WhatsApp and text.