At Scott Rowe Solicitors we recognise that sometimes relationships are not positive ones and can include aspects of domestic abuse. We recognise that domestic abuse can take many forms, and this is now widely recognised.
The Government definition of domestic violence and abuse is:
'Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass, but is not limited to, the following types of abuse:
• psychological • physical • sexual • financial • emotional
Controlling behaviour is: a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour is: an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.'
Whilst this is not a legal definition of domestic abuse, it gives the Courts and legal professionals a clear indication of the types of behaviour that must be taken into account when considering issues of domestic abuse within a relationship.
Practical Advice
Our experienced family law solicitor will also endeavour to provide clients who have been victims of domestic abuse with legal but also practical advice. We can put people in contact with support agencies who can provide them with emotional and psychological support as well as providing them with practical support.
Non-Molesation and Occupation Orders
Our family law solicitor is experienced in advising and supporting people in making applications to the Court for protective Orders.
A Non-Molestation Order can seek to regulate a person’s behaviour by setting out certain activities or actions they are not allowed to engage in. An example would be an Order prohibiting someone from “harassing, intimidating or threatening” the other party. These Orders are made for a set period of time and it is a criminal offence for someone to breach a non-molestation Order when it is in force.
An Occupation Order can regulate someone’s right to enter or occupy a property they would otherwise be entitled to occupy. An Order of they type may be used to mean that someone can live in the family home without the other party being able to enter.
Our family law solicitor is very experienced in making urgent applications for these types of Orders and will offer urgent appointments to discuss these options to ensure that someone is seen as quickly as possible where there are issues of this type.
Our family law solicitor is also experienced in advising and representing those who have received notification that an Order is sought against them. We can offer advice on how to respond to an application and represent respondent’s at Court hearings.
Make an enquiry
To discover more about how our domestic abuse solicitors can help you, please make a no obligation enquiry by either calling us on 01297 32345 or by making a free online enquiry.
