Domestic Abuse
Legal Protection and Support When You or Your Children Are at Risk
Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. It can include controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, threats, sexual abuse and other abusive behaviour.
If you or your children are experiencing domestic abuse, getting appropriate legal advice can help you understand your options and the protections that may be available.
At MYM Solicitors, we provide sensitive and practical Family Law support to individuals and families affected by domestic abuse. We can advise you on protective orders, child arrangements, court proceedings and other legal options based on your circumstances.
What Is Domestic Abuse?
Under the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, domestic abuse can involve a single incident or a pattern of behaviour between people aged 16 or over who are personally connected. The behaviour may include physical or sexual abuse, violent or threatening behaviour, controlling or coercive behaviour, economic abuse, psychological abuse or emotional abuse.
Domestic abuse may include:
- Physical violence or assault
- Threats or intimidation
- Controlling or coercive behaviour
- Emotional or psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Economic or financial abuse
- Harassment or unwanted contact
- Controlling access to money or essential resources
- Monitoring your phone, communications or movements
- Isolating you from family and friends
- Threatening to harm you, your children or other family members
Domestic abuse can continue after a relationship has ended. The law recognises that abusive behaviour can take different forms and does not require physical violence to be involved.
How MYM Solicitors Will Help
At MYM Solicitors, we understand that seeking legal help in a domestic abuse situation can be difficult. Our Family Law team can provide confidential and practical advice focused on your safety, your children’s welfare and your legal options.
Understanding Your Situation
Advice on Protective Orders
Where appropriate, we can advise you about protective injunctions, including Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. A Non-Molestation Order can provide protection from abuse or harassment, while an Occupation Order can regulate who can live in or enter the family home. Depending on the circumstances, one or both types of order may be appropriate.
Non-Molestation Orders
A Non-Molestation Order may be used to protect you or a child from abuse or harassment and can restrict certain behaviour or contact by the person named in the order. We can advise you on whether this type of protection may be appropriate and assist with the application where necessary.
Occupation Orders
If domestic abuse is affecting your use of the family home, an Occupation Order may be relevant. Depending on the circumstances, an order can determine who can live in the property or who can enter the home or surrounding area.
Urgent Protection
Where there are immediate concerns about your safety or the safety of your children, we can advise you about urgent legal options and help you understand the appropriate steps. Some applications for protective orders can be made without a court fee, and the court process may differ depending on the circumstances and type of protection required.
Child Arrangements and Domestic Abuse
Domestic abuse can be highly relevant when decisions are being made about where children live and when they spend time with each parent. We can advise you about child arrangements and help ensure that relevant safeguarding concerns are properly raised within the appropriate legal proceedings.
Support With Family Court Proceedings
If your circumstances require Family Court involvement, we can assist with applications, evidence, statements and representation as appropriate. We can also advise you about existing orders and what steps may be available if an order is not being followed.
Negotiation and Legal Correspondence
Where appropriate and safe to do so, we can communicate with the other party or their solicitor on your behalf. Our approach will depend on the circumstances of your case, particularly where there are concerns about safety, intimidation or ongoing abuse.
Evidence and Documentation
Evidence can be important in domestic abuse cases. We can advise you on the types of information and documentation that may be relevant, which can include police records, medical evidence, court documents, communications, financial records or other relevant evidence. The evidence required will depend on the nature of your case and the legal remedy being considered.
Legal Aid
Depending on your circumstances and eligibility, you may be able to obtain legal aid for certain family law matters involving domestic abuse. Evidence of domestic abuse is generally required for legal-aid purposes, and accepted forms of evidence can include information from courts, police, healthcare professionals, social services and other recognised sources.
We can discuss your circumstances and explain whether you may need to explore legal-aid eligibility or other funding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Speak to MYM Solicitors
About Domestic Abuse
Speak to MYM Solicitors About Domestic Abuse
Why Choose MYM Solicitors?
- Confidential and sensitive legal support
- Tailored advice based on your circumstances
- Advice on Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders
- Support with child arrangement matters
- Assistance with Family Court proceedings
- Guidance on evidence and documentation
- Advice on legal-aid eligibility where relevant
- Practical support throughout your case
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