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If you or someone you know is in a relationship where there is domestic violence, help is available. As specialist domestic abuse lawyers, Harrowells will support you and explain the options you have to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Domestic abuse does not always mean physical violence, it includes verbal, financial sexual or emotional abuse. It extends to stalking, harassment and coercive behaviour.
It is not always easy to identify or spot coercive controlling behaviour, but this is often a pattern of coercion and emotional control over a sustained period of time.
Our specialist domestic abuse solicitors in York, Clifton Moor, Haxby, Easingwold, Thirsk, Pocklington and Malton will go to court on a same-day basis if needed, to obtain an injunction protecting you and your family. The family courts have powers to make orders protective you from committed or threatened abuse, and they are often obtained immediately and without notifying your abuser in advance.
Domestic abuse injunctions can cover a range of issues from preventing your ex-partner from contacting you, ensuring that they cannot threaten you via a third party to excluding them from the family home allowing you to remain in the property.
The Harrowells team of domestic abuse solicitors can also support you if you have been falsely accused of domestic abuse, and need urgent representation to challenge a Non-Molestation order that may have been obtained against you.
Looking for swift, practical advice and support on how to deal with domestic abuse of any kind?
Our reputation for offering clear, effective advice is growing and, together with independent recognition of our Family Law expertise by Legal 500, means we advise clients right across the country.
It is very straightforward to arrange meetings by video or telephone, as you prefer so that we can provide you with the information, advice and reassurance that your interests will be secured and protected. If you live locally, you also have the option to meet us at one of our offices. Call us or email us for a confidential initial discussion so our domestic abuse solicitors can understand your situation and explain how we can provide legal help for domestic abuse/violence.
Our domestic abuse services
Non Molestation Orders (Injunctions)
If you are being harassed, threatened or abused then you may be able to obtain an emergency non molestation order against your abuser. The terms of the injunction will depend on the type of protection you need but can limit or prevent communication, stop the abuser from threatening you via a third party or specifically prevent them from harming you physically.
This type of injunction is very powerful and if your abuser breaches the terms set by the court, then that could constitute to an arrestable offence. The Non Molestation Order will be sent to your local police station as soon as it is made so that you can report any breaches immediately for the police to take action.
Our solicitors for domestic abuse can help you to set up a Non Molestation Order to protect you and your family.
Where a Non-Molestation Order has been unfairly obtained against you, our team can use their expertise in domestic abuse law to ensure that the right outcome is reached.
Occupation Orders
If you need to exclude your abuser from the property you live in, you may need an Occupation Order.
Such an order determines who should live in the house, whether arrangements can be made for the property to be shared and crucially how the running costs for the house should be met whilst the order is in force.
Divorce Advice for Victims of Domestic Abuse
Making the decision to leave an abuse relationship is often the hardest step. At Harrowells, our team of domestic abuse solicitors will support you with this and will make sure you have the right injunctions in place from the start to enable you to start divorce proceedings freely and without fear at how your abuser may react.
It is possible to apply for a divorce right away based on your abuser’s behaviour, and you do not necessarily need their agreement to this to get things started.
Our solicitors for domestic abuse will also talk you through what you need on an interim basis financially, and whether any protection is needed for your children so that you feel secure in taking the difficult first steps in the divorce.
Our domestic abuse solicitor’s fees
Some victims of domestic abuse may qualify for legal aid (public funding) and if our solicitors specialising in domestic abuse believe you are eligible, we will support you in obtaining the correct representation.
If you are not eligible, the legal fees that you can expect will be explain to you at the outset and before any work is started. Our domestic violence solicitors will work with you to ensure this is affordable.
Domestic abuse explained
Domestic abuse or domestic violence comes in many forms. It is often a pattern of threatening, violent, controlling or coercive behaviour or it can be a one-off violent incident.
Such behaviour can take the form of verbal, sexual or physical abuse, financial control, harassment or stalking and online abuse.
Whilst there is no single offence of domestic abuse, the individual acts of abuse as listed above may amount to a criminal offence. Any such behaviour should be reported to the police as soon as possible and our family solicitors will put in place protection to enable you to report the allegations safely.
A solicitor working providing domestic abuse support can obtain injunctions to protect you from further abuse and in some cases to exclude the abuser from returning to the family home.
Coercive and/or controlling behaviour is a pattern of acts designed to isolate a person or regulate their behaviour.
Where can I get support for domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse law insights
You can read more insights from our domestic violence solictors on our our Divorce and Family blog here
Looking for swift, practical advice and support on how to deal with domestic abuse of any kind from solicitors specialising in domestic abuse?
Our domestic abuse solicitors in York, Clifton Moor, Haxby, Easingwold, Thirsk, Pocklington and Malton advise clients on a nationwide basis and we are experienced in offering effective advice, reassurance and regular updates by video and telephone.
If you live locally, you also have the option to meet us at one of our offices. You decide the best method of communication and we will tailor our approach to suit you. We have a reputation for offering practical advice that ensures you know your rights and that your interests are protected. Call us or email us for a confidential initial discussion so we can understand your situation and explain how we can help you.
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