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Domestic abuse comes in many forms and is sadly all too common. Our experienced family team can assist you in emergency court applications to help protect you and your family.
We know that reaching out for help is not always easy. At Glanvilles, we promise to listen and provide solution-focused advice to help ensure your and your family’s safety. It is important to realise that you do not have to continue suffering and that the law offers protection.
Our domestic violence lawyers have extensive experience advising on the following court orders:
Read more about occupation orders and non-molestation orders.
Please be assured we will always act with empathy and offer clear, practical advice and support in plain English. Anything you tell our team will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Our family team has expert domestic abuse solicitors in Petworth, Chichester, Fareham or Havant you can contact or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.
The term ‘domestic abuse’ can be misleading as many people assume that it only refers to physical acts of violence. However, domestic abuse can cover a wide range of behaviour, including physical, sexual, psychological, controlling or coercive, financial and emotional abuse.
Domestic abuse can either be a one-off incident or a pattern of behaviour, and it can take place between those aged 16 or over who are partners, ex-partners, those who share children or other family members.
If you are concerned that you may have experienced domestic abuse and are unsure whether the behaviour in question qualifies, our team will be happy to advise you.
Following the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, victims have greater protection in family courts in domestic abuse cases.
Victims of domestic abuse are recognised as vulnerable and will automatically qualify for extra support to ensure they feel safer during court proceedings. This support can include:
Victims should not be directly questioned by their abuser in cross-examination. If domestic abuse is alleged, the Judge can appoint a Qualified Legal Representative (QLR) to assist with the questioning. If a QLR is unavailable, the Judge will take responsibility for the cross-examination.
The process of handling a domestic violence case usually includes reporting the incident, conducting an investigation, making an arrest, court proceedings and implementing protective measures and injunctions.
On average, resolving a domestic violence case can take anywhere from several months to a year, depending on the circumstances of the case.
The UK government’s Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) scheme exists to enable victims to claim compensation if a violent crime has taken place.
You may be able to claim compensation for physical injuries, disabling mental injuries, sexual or physical abuse, the death of a close relative, paying for someone’s funeral or the loss of earnings and expenses.
In cases of domestic violence, this includes physical or sexual violence but not claims involving emotional or financial abuse, stalking or harassment.
The latest version of the scheme in 2012 specifically addresses domestic violence claims, offering compensation ranging from £2,000 to £8,200 based on the severity of the physical injuries incurred.
There are various options for reporting domestic abuse. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, you should call 999 and ask for the police.
If you feel the situation is not an emergency or you are not sure, you can call 101 to speak to the police and seek their advice. If they feel it is appropriate, they can send an officer or they can point you in the direction of other useful resources. You can also go to your nearest police station to speak to someone in person if you feel more comfortable doing so.
You can also use various schemes to access help for domestic abuse, such as the Ask for ANI scheme. This runs in various locations, including pharmacies such as Boots and Lloyds. This scheme allows you to give a code word to staff at participating locations, and the staff will then take you to a private room where they can help you to contact the police, domestic abuse services, a legal adviser or a friend or relative for help.
Domestic abuse organisations such as Women’s Aid provide excellent resources on dealing with domestic abuse, including who to contact and what types of support different organisations offer.
Our specialist domestic abuse lawyers at Glanvilles will also be happy to discuss your options for reporting and dealing with abuse if you need our support.
Our specialist domestic violence lawyers within the family team can offer:
When you work with our lawyers, we promise:
Our family team has expert domestic abuse solicitors in Petworth, Chichester, Fareham or Havant you can contact or fill in our simple online enquiry form for a quick response.
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