Yesterday we held our annual Vision Day! The whole firm got together to discuss our vision for the next 12 months. Our theme was ‘Strength’ with sessions around strengthening our team, collaborations, relationships and most importantly, our care...
Christmas historically sees an increase in the amount of domestic abuse incidents reported. For people living in toxic relationships an increase in the amount of time spent together, the need for everything to be perfect, increased financial pressure and the increase in the amount of alcohol consumed can all lead to tensions boiling over and a spike in domestic abuse incidents.
The office for National statistics has recently published data regarding domestic abuse incidents within England and Wales. It is recorded that 2.4 million adults suffered domestic abuse in the 12 months preceding March 2019 equating to an estimated 5.7% of the population and it is considered that the figure could be much higher due to the number of unreported incidents. Coupled with the data that 173 people were killed as a result of domestic violence in 2018, concerns arise about the measures in place to protect the victims of domestic abuse.
If any incident which places you in fear for yours or anybody safety takes place the first port of call will always be to call the police. The police can make arrests for criminal offences but can also issue domestic violence prevention notices or make applications for domestic violence prevention orders. These however are only for short periods of time.
If protection for a longer period is required, the Family Law Act makes provision for people to make an application for a protective order known as a non-molestation order preventing the perpetrator from undertaking a course of action which would cause harm or distress. If breached it is treated as a criminal offence subject to a prison term of up to five years. It is within the discretion of the Court as to how long these last.
The Court can also make orders determining who is to occupy a family home and how that home is to be funded in the interim period. This is known as an occupation order.
The domestic violence disclosure scheme, more commonly known as “Clare’s Law”, was introduced to allow members of the public to make enquiries of the police as to whether their partner poses a risk to them. If you have concerns regarding your partner ring 101 and speak to them about potentially obtaining information which is relevant.
There are also many domestic abuse agencies which can support victims of domestic abuse providing practical and emotional advice and assistance whose services are free of charge. In emergencies these agencies can provide access to a refuge to ensure the immediate safety of you and your children, they provide a 24 hour a day, 7 days a week phone line and confidential support for you and assistance to people recognising if they are a perpetrator of domestic abuse.
If you are experiencing any issue with domestic abuse and who would like further advice and assistance regarding this issue or any other issue arising following a relationship breakdown please do not hesitate to contact Nowell Meller at either our Stoke on Trent office on 01782 813315 or our Stafford office on 01785 252377 or by email to sarah.thomas@nowellmeller.co.uk. Our specialist Family Team offer advice and representation. Contact us now to book your free initial consultation to discuss the options available to you.
