Family issues

We know that domestic abuse is common and occurs in all types of families.

If you’re in an abusive situation, help is at hand. We’re highly experienced in taking legal action to protect our clients. Our expert team can support you in planning a safe exit route from the relationship, and introduce you to specialist support, including domestic abuse advisors. Domestic abuse encompasses many patterns of behaviour including:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour.
• Coercive behaviour – a pattern of behaviour designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour
• Controlling behaviour – which can include assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten the victim
• Economic abuse – behaviour which has a substantial adverse effect on a person’s ability to acquire, use or maintain money
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse, including gaslighting, stonewalling and verbal abuse.

It is recognised that children suffer harm if they are exposed to domestic abuse, even if they do not witness it directly, and that parents who have experienced domestic abuse may suffer the psychological impact of that abuse which can in turn impact their child’s health and development.

We can also assist those who have been accused of domestic abuse and may have been served with court orders. Talk to our experienced team who will support you throughout your matter.

Domestic abuse may arise in a variety of contexts arising from a family separation. Our expert team can advise on a wide range of proceedings including:

• Injunctions to prevent further abuse and protect victims/survivors, including applications for non-molestation orders and occupation orders
• Specific injunctions in cases where there is a risk of forced marriage or FGM (Female Genital Mutilation)
• Private law proceedings – orders regulating where and with whom a child should live which can ensure that arrangements are safe and do not expose children and their parents to harm.
• International children proceedings – to protect children in cross-border situations, including cases of international child abduction
• Financial remedy/divorce proceedings which may arise against a background of domestic abuse or including cases where there is historic or ongoing economic abuse.