Domestic Violence Solicitors

What are the early warning signs of domestic violence?

These are a few early indicators of domestic abuse, although individual experiences can differ: 

• Changing your behaviour or ‘walking on eggshells’ because you are terrified of upsetting the person.
• Becoming more critical of yourself because you feel as though everything you do is wrong.
• Feeling pressured into doing things you do not want to do.
• Finding that your freedom and privacy is being restricted because you are being monitored.
• Feeling guilty if you spend time with other people.
• Having to ask permission to use your own money.
• Finding that your money is being spent without your permission.

Whatever form it takes, domestic abuse is unacceptable. No one should ever be made to feel scared or threatened in their own home.

How can a Domestic Violence solicitor help?

Our expert domestic violence solicitors acknowledge that simply walking away from an abusive relationship may not be an option for you, particularly if children are involved. We will attentively listen to you as you describe your situation. Following that, we will outline your options and provide practical advice to help you end domestic violence.

There are legal measures we can take to protect you and your family, which include:

• Non-molestation Order
• Occupation Order
• Prohibitive Steps Order
• Child Arrangements Order

A Non-molestation Order and an Occupation Order are injunctions issued by the court. Our solicitors can start injunction proceedings swiftly to protect you and your family from harm.

Are you entitled to legal aid?

Those who suffer domestic violence and cannot afford legal costs may be entitled to legal aid. To be eligible, you need to show evidence that you and/or your family are at risk of harm.

Evidence can be provided by:

• Your solicitor, the courts or the police.
• Social services.
• MARAC (multi-agency risk assessment conference)
• A health professional such as a doctor.
• The manager of a refuge.
• A representative from a domestic support service.
• Your employer, lecturer or teacher.
• Documents such as bank statements to show abuse of your finances.

Whether you are eligible for legal aid or not, our specialist domestic abuse solicitors can provide guidance on your legal options. It may be that proceedings can be started by the police, which will save you both money and time. We strongly believe that nobody should have to continue to suffer abuse due to financial constraints.

Talk to a domestic violence solicitor

Everybody has the right to live without the threat of domestic violence. If you are living in an abusive environment or you have concerns about somebody in your household, please talk to us. We can work sensitively and quickly to protect you and your family without the knowledge of the perpetrator if necessary.

As well as providing legal advice and putting steps in place to end domestic violence, our solicitors can also put you in touch with organisations that can help you to move forward with your life.