Domestic Abuse Solicitors

In domestic abuse cases, police have a duty to take positive action when attending a domestic abuse call which can include making an arrest. The first priority of the police is to protect you and any children you have and take action to protect you from further harm. Depending on the severity and nature of the charge, it will be heard at either a magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

Kay’s Law was introduced as part of the Government’s strategy to enhance protection for individuals at risk of domestic and sexual abuse. It mandates that police officers must consider the views of victims before releasing suspects on bail. This law ensures that victims’ safety and well-being are prioritised, and it aims to prevent further harm by incorporating victims’ perspectives into bail decisions. Kay’s Law represents a significant step towards improving the legal framework for safeguarding vulnerable individuals from abuse

Claire’s Law, or the The Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme(DVDS), allows the police to give vital, and often necessary, information to a victim, or potential victim, pertaining to abusive and violent domestic abuse carried out by their partner or ex-partner in a previous relationship.

The statute of limitations for domestic abuse in the UK stipulates that a victim has 6 months from the time they formally report the abuse to the police to begin prosecutions and up to two years from the date of the offence to prosecute the abuser.

A victim can express a wish for bail conditions to be altered or removed; however the final decision to apply for a change in bail conditions is ultimately decided by the court. Before bail conditions can be modified a risk assessment needs to be carried out where the nature of the offence is considered before the final say is had by the court.

If the police think they have enough evidence to prosecute the suspect then the case might still go to court even if you withdraw your statement. If you wish to withdraw your statement due to fear of giving evidence, speak to the police and tell them how you feel.

Gaslighting is a term used to describe a form of emotional abuse where one person gradually manipulates another in order to gain control. On January 20th 2022, it became illegal to gaslight somebody making gaslighting a criminal offence covered within coercive control law.

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that attempts to make a person subordinate or dependent on the accused. The sentence for the most serious perpetrators of coercive control is 5 years imprisonment. Whereas, in other cases there is a short prison sentence or a fine.

The National Domestic Abuse Helpline is 08082000247 and is a 24/7 service.

A Prohibited Steps Order is a court mandate that restricts an individual, typically one with parental responsibility, from making certain decisions regarding a child’s upbringing. This order can cover various parental decisions, including:

• Relocating a child within the UK or abroad
• Changing the child’s school
• Introducing the child to a former partner’s new partner or a specific individual
• Changing the child’s name
• Consenting to specific medical procedures or treatments for the child

You can apply for Prohibited Steps Order if you have parental responsibility. However you can not apply for Prohibited Steps Order if the child is over 16 years old or in the care of the local authority.

Yes, honour based violence is a crime committed in the name of ‘honour’ including domestic violence, threats of violence or forced marriage.

Although the victim cannot “drop” the charges in a domestic violence case, their input plays a crucial role in its outcome. A cooperative victim who wishes to see the case against the accused dismissed can significantly influence a favourable resolution.