One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute in the UK.
If you’ve been affected by this issue, we’re here to provide the urgent advice and support you need.
Our team of experienced domestic violence solicitors will guide you through the necessary steps to secure legal protection.
We can provide a warning letter on the day of your consultation, or apply for an emergency court order if required. We can also apply to extend an order to include the protection of any relevant children.
We offer free, no-obligation initial consultations, so contact our team of specialist domestic abuse solicitors today to receive caring, confidential, and compassionate legal advice and take a first step towards obtaining the legal protection you and your family need to start a new chapter in your life.
What is domestic abuse?
The UK government defines domestic abuse as ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, 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. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to, psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional.’
It’s evident from this definition that domestic abuse is so much more than just physical violence.
Different types of domestic abuse include:
- Physical violence
- Emotional abuse
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Financial control
- Harassment
- Gaslighting
- Sexual abuse or violence
Sadly, domestic abuse is rarely a one-off occurrence; it’s usually a pattern that worsens over time.
What services do our domestic violence solicitors offer?
When you seek legal protection against domestic abuse from Mark Reynolds Solicitors, a specialist domestic violence solicitor will listen to your story and advise you on what legal action will offer you the best protection from your abuser.
Beyond legal advice, we can also help you to connect with relevant third-party support networks.
Depending on the details of your case, our domestic violence solicitor may recommend that you apply for an injunction. This protective measure orders one, or more, people to refrain from doing a specific act.
The two injunctions most commonly used during domestic abuse cases are non-molestation orders and occupation orders.
Non-molestation orders
Non-molestation orders are designed to safeguard individuals from further violence, abuse or harassment. They prevent a partner, former partner, or other associated person from causing you or your children harm. They may also prevent a person from coming within a certain distance of your home.
Occupation orders
Occupation orders are used to regulate who should live in the family home. When domestic abuse has occurred, an occupation order can be used to exclude the abuser from the property, even if they solely or jointly own the property. This measure is particularly useful in situations where cohabitation has become impossible due to safety concerns or ongoing abuse. When deciding whether to grant an occupation order, the court will consider each person’s housing needs and resources, financial resources, the effect an order is likely to have on the safety or wellbeing of each person and any relevant children, and the conduct of each person in relation to each other.
Non-molestation and occupation orders are granted through the family court. Non-molestation orders last, on average, between six and 12 months, while occupation orders are usually made for up to six months, depending on the circumstances.
Breaching one of these orders is an arrestable offence which could result in up to five years in prison.
Our team is here to assist with preparing legal application forms and documentation and to provide support through court hearings.
We also offer court representation as needed.
Why choose Mark Reynolds Solicitors for help with domestic abuse?
Often, victims feel afraid to speak out due to fear, but rest assured that we offer an exceptional service, providing you with protection and guidance throughout the entire process.
We offer straightforward, jargon-free legal advice and a friendly, professional, and compassionate service.
With offices throughout the North West of England in Liverpool, Warrington, Leigh, and Runcorn, our team of domestic violence solicitors has helped numerous domestic abuse survivors get the legal support they need to protect themselves and their dependents and move on from the impact of domestic abuse.
To discuss your options with a specialist domestic violence solicitor, contact our office by calling 0800 002 9577 or filling out the contact form on the right to arrange a free, no-obligation initial consultation.