Domestic Abuse

Despite the introduction of the new Domestic Abuse Act which became law on 30 April 2021 domestic abuse is still a serious issue in the UK with the police receiving a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds.   Many victims still suffer in silence and   1 in 4 women in England and Wales alone will experience domestic abuse.  It is also important to note that domestic abuse is not restricted to the victim being a woman, it can affect men as well. There is still some way to go to ensure that public attitudes do not enable nor tolerate domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse is currently highlighted in popular tv soaps as well as west end productions reflecting the seriousness of the situation. The intention is that the storylines increase awareness so that family and friends may more easily spot the signs in victims and offer help and support. A common denominator in abuse cases is isolation, a factor often manipulated by the abuser.

Domestic abuse is not just about physical abuse and violence but the more subtle and harder to detect abuse by way of financial and/or coercive behaviour.  All abuse has the ability to harm its victims by affecting their mental and general health.  Personal security and safety are essential factors of normal life.

Many obstacles stand in the way of victims leaving their abusive partners including children, finances and homelessness.  However, help is out there via the National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 247 (24/7), Refuge, Women’s Aid etc. as well as police in emergency situations.  Police and courts’ powers include Domestic Abuse Protection Notices.  These will give victims immediate protection from abusers.

Under the new law children are explicitly recognised as victims if they see, hear or experience the effects of  abuse and this may assist victims in seeking help.

Local authorities in England have a duty to provide support to victims of domestic abuse and their children in refuges and other safe accommodation and all eligible homeless victims of domestic abuse automatically have ‘priority need’ for homelessness assistance.

If you are experiencing violence or any form of abuse or have been threatened with violence by your partner, Spectrum Family Law can advise you of the options available to you and, if applicable, your children. Injunction proceedings can be issued swiftly, depending on the circumstances of your case, to provide you with the protection of the court.

Any injunction is intended to be an emergency solution and can be limited in time but for a sufficient length of time to allow the situation to calm.

Also, once you are in a place of safety, free from abuse, it may be time to deal with the formalities of separation/divorce and its associated issues.