Around 2 million people a year experience domestic abuse in the UK, but only around half of these incidents are ever reported to the police. If you or a loved one have experienced domestic abuse of any kind, it is important to realise that there are fast, effective steps we can take to protect you from your abuser.
Our solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with these sensitive matters and can offer compassionate but highly practical support. We can put in place immediate steps to keep you and your loved ones safe, including securing court orders to prevent your abuser from being near you or contacting, as well as requiring them to leave your home if necessary.
We are often able to represent domestic abuse clients on a Legal Aid basis, so if you are concerned about your ability to pay for our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we will be happy to discuss your eligibility for Legal Aid as well as other potential funding options.
Speak to one of our domestic abuse solicitors now by calling 0117 909 4000 or contact your local Henriques Griffiths office in Bristol or Winterbourne.
Our domestic abuse legal services
If you have experienced domestic abuse, our solicitors will do everything possible to support and protect you. We understand that everyone’s circumstances are unique, so will listen carefully and sympathetically to your story, then explain your legal options in plain English, so you can decide what you want to happen next.
What can a solicitor do to protect victims of domestic abuse?
There are various measures we can use to help protect you and your loved ones from your abuser depending on your situation.
Non-Molestation Order – This is a court-issued injunction that protects you or your child/children from being threatened or harmed by your abuser. You can usually apply for an NMO if your abuser is someone you are or were in a relationship with, a family member or someone who are living with or have lived with.
Occupation Order – This type of court injunction specifies who can live in your family home or the surrounding area. An Occupation Order can be used to make your abuser leave your shared home and prevent them from living nearby.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs) – Introduced in England and Wales in March 2014, these are emergency orders than can be issued by police following a domestic violence incident. This temporarily requires the subject of the order to avoid contacting, approaching or harassing you and can be used to evict them from your home. A DVPO stays in effect for up to 28 days, giving you time to plan your next steps, including putting in place more permanent measures, like a Non-Molestation Order and/or Occupation Order.
What counts as domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse covers a much wider range of behaviour than many people imagine. It can include a single incident or a pattern of behaviour that is:
- Violent
- Abusive
- Controlling
- Coercive
- Threatening
This abuse can be:
- Physical
- Verbal
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Emotional
- Financial
Understanding your ‘right to ask’
Many people do not realise that they have a legal right to ask police to check whether their partner has a violent past. This is known as your ‘right to ask’. If the police find evidence that you may be at risk from your partner due to a previous history of violence, they can disclose this to you.
If you have experienced abuse by your partner, our domestic abuse solicitors can help you exercise your right to know, potentially giving you vital information about your partner’s past behaviour to assist you when deciding what action to take.
How to claim Legal Aid for domestic abuse
While Legal Aid is no longer available for many types of family law issues, you may still be able get Legal Aid to help you take action over domestic abuse. To qualify for Legal Aid, you will need evidence that you or your children have been victims of abuse and that you can’t afford to pay your own legal costs.
We can advise you on whether you are likely to be eligible for Legal Aid, what evidence of abuse and your financial situation you need and then guide you through making an application.
Why choose Henriques Griffiths’ domestic abuse lawyers?
Our lawyers have been supporting victims of domestic abuse and their families for many years, offering compassionate and highly practical support to help make you safe as quickly as possible.
Our team includes Carol Simmons, a member of the Family Law Panel and Resolution accredited specialist in Domestic Abuse.
Henriques Griffiths is Lexcel accredited by the Law Society for our practice management and client care, and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) providing assurance that we continually meet the highest legal and professional standards.
Get in touch with our domestic abuse solicitors now
For immediate legal protection for you and your loved ones, please call us on 0117 909 4000 or use the links below to make an enquiry or request a call back.