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Experiencing domestic abuse can be extremely frightening. Domestic abuse is common and can take many forms, including emotional, financial, psychological, physical or sexual abuse.
Statistics show that in the UK, the police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, yet it is estimated that only 24% of domestic abuse crime is reported to the police. Domestic abuse happens in close relationships between people of all ages, gender, sexual orientation, class and culture.
At David Gray, we understand that experiencing domestic abuse can be very difficult, and that you may find it daunting to speak up and ask for help and support. Our domestic abuse solicitors have extensive experience in this area of family law and are based in Newcastle upon Tyne and South Shields, and we support victims of domestic violence across the North East.
Whether you are experiencing domestic abuse in the form of emotional abuse, physical abuse or something else, we are here to help you. Our team can provide you with expert legal advice on obtaining legal aid and applying for an injunction, including a non-molestation order.
Acknowledging that a partner, spouse or family member is abusing you is one of the hardest steps you can take and is extremely difficult to come to terms with. We know you may be frightened, confused and anxious and asking for help can be difficult and daunting.
As a victim of domestic abuse, there are several legal options available to you, from reporting the abuse to the police, sending a warning letter, to obtaining an injunction, including a non-molestation order and/or occupation order.
David Gray’s specialist domestic abuse solicitors have many years of experience working with clients experiencing domestic abuse or domestic violence. They can provide you with legal advice which is relevant and specific to your circumstances.
Securing your safety is our top priority, and we will become part of your support network, providing expert advice every step of the way.
Here, one of our domestic abuse specialists offers advice on what to do if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse:
Legal Aid for Domestic Abuse
Legal aid is available if you are a victim of domestic abuse and are financially eligible. Our team of friendly family solicitors will always assess your eligibility for legal aid, and help you to get the necessary information to enable us to apply for funding on your behalf.
How could David Gray solicitors help?
Our team of expert domestic abuse solicitors will be here to support you throughout the entire process of any legal proceedings and will approach your situation with compassion and care.
We are here to advise you about the way to protect yourself from abuse inflicted by a partner, spouse or other family member. If you have children, they are our priority too, and we can advise on any social service involvement and care proceedings if necessary, or work with our child protection solicitors to conclude what will be best for you and your child moving forward.
Every case of domestic abuse is different, but your safety is top priority to our team at David Gray.
With extensive experience in cases involving domestic abuse, our solicitors can guide you on the best course of action for your situation and can also advise you about related issues concerning property, finances – including urgent financial applications on divorce if you are a victim of financial abuse – and children.
Applying for an injunction
An injunction is a court order that prevents someone from doing something, which can include a non-molestation order or an occupation order. If you are at risk from domestic abuse, an injunction can help to protect you and your family. Our specialist domestic abuse solicitors can provide legal advice around applying for an injunction.
There are two main types of injunctions available for survivors of domestic abuse:
- A non-molestation order: this protects you and your children from being threatened, harassed or harmed by your abuser or through third parties.
- An occupation order: this sets out who can live in the family home and can prevent your abuser from entering the property.
We work closely with local support organisations to ensure you receive the practical and emotional help you need alongside our legal advice.
Advice for domestic abuse organisations
We work closely with agencies, charities and support organisations to ensure service users receive the support they need as well as the correct legal advice.
For more information please contact Louise Law by email or on 0191 232 9547, or complete the contact form on our website in confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse, or domestic violence, includes emotional, financial, physical or sexual abuse or coercive and controlling behaviour in couple relationships or between family members. It can happen to anyone, and anyone can be an abuser.
- Emotional abuse/coercive and controlling behaviour: the abuser employs a range of personalised, psychological tactics to manipulate, control and frighten a person, changing their sense of self to maintain control.
- Financial abuse: described as “the unauthorised and improper use of funds, property or any resources belonging to another individual”. Financial abuse can include theft, fraud, coercion or internet scamming.
- Physical abuse: the abuser uses an intentional act to cause injury or trauma to another person through bodily contact, including a range of behaviours like hitting, slapping, punching or more severe forms of violence.
- Sexual abuse: this is a general term used to describe any unwanted sexual activity, including acts by violence, coercion or manipulation, regardless of the relationship to the victim and can consist of rape, sexual assault, harassment or exploitation, unwanted or inappropriate content, or revenge porn.
All forms of domestic abuse or domestic violence can have a lifelong psychological impact on the victim and their families. There is support available for everyone, no matter how you identify, and you can find information on the NHS website. Always call 999 in an emergency.
Shall I report my abusive partner to the police?
At David Gray, we understand that people who experience domestic abuse can find it difficult to ask for help or support, and this can include reporting incidents to the police. We understand that there are lots of reasons why you may feel like this, including a lack of trust, fear of repercussions or fear that you will not be believed.
We would urge you to contact your local police force to report any incidents of domestic abuse or domestic violence which you experience. It is important that they are logged and investigated as they can be used within Family Court proceedings if they are required. In addition, the police are able to give you advice and support around whether the conduct amounts to a criminal offence. The police may be able to implement bail conditions to keep you safe.
In addition, we can provide you with advice and support regarding your options if you have been subject to domestic abuse, including applications to court to protect you. Please contact our Customer Relationship Manager, Louise Law on 0191 232 9547.
I'd like to make an application to Court for an Injunction, but I am scared about going to Court.
The Courts are familiar with dealing with vulnerable people. There are special provisions which can be requested to ensure a person’s safety at court. These are things such as protective screens within the court room so that you do not have to see the other party, separate waiting areas and separate entrances to the court building.
We will be able to talk you through these options and provide you with advice in advance of any attendance at Court, to reassure you. If you require advice regarding domestic abuse, please contact Louise Law on 0191 2329547.
Will Social Services get involved with my children if I make a report of domestic abuse?
The Local Authority have a duty of care towards children, which includes safeguarding children in the area to ensure they are not exposed to domestic abuse. As well as our domestic abuse solicitors, we have a team of child protection solicitors and social services and care proceedings solicitors who can help to ensure your child is kept safe. They will work with the Local Authority to achieve this.
The focus of Children’s Services is to help support families to stay together and this can include offering support and advice to victims of domestic abuse. Children’s Services can help to find local organisations to support you, including housing, health services and specialist domestic abuse support services. They will expect you to work openly and honestly about the circumstances that you are in and to take on board advice regarding how best to protect yourself and your children.
At David Gray, our family law team, including our expert domestic abuse solicitors and domestic violence solicitors, offer advice and assistance regarding the Local Authority’s involvement with families and domestic abuse victims. Please contact Louise Law on 0191 2329547.
I'm scared if I report domestic abuse it will get worse
We understand that seeking advice regarding your circumstances can seem like a very frightening prospect and that you might worry about your partner finding out. It is possible to apply to Court without giving notice or telling the other party so that a protective order called a Non-Molestation Order can be made by the Court to immediately offer protection to you and any children, if needed.
We can give you advice and represent you at court on an urgent basis by asking the Court to grant an urgent Order for your protection. If you require advice, please contact Louise Law on 0191 2329547.
