Harassment & Domestic Violence

If you are experiencing harassment or domestic violence, you need to seek help urgently. We can give you advice about making an application to Court for protection. We know these steps are often taken in very difficult circumstances, and we have helped our clients through these stages. It is important to feel supported during this time. We are responsive in a crisis and can take immediate action.

Legally binding Court Orders can, in some circumstances, be made without the other person being informed of your application until after the Court Order has been made and served on them.

The main types of Orders the Court can grant are:

Non-Molestation Orders – These are Orders prohibiting the other person from using or threatening violence against you or a child of the family. Such Orders can also prohibit the other person from intimidating, harassing and pestering you or a child of the family. In addition, these Orders can also prohibit the other person from instructing or encouraging another person to take these action;.
Occupation Orders – These Orders regulate the occupation of the family home. So for example, it can prohibit the other person from coming into your bedroom. Or it can exclude the other person from the home altogether, even if he or she is the legal owner of that home.

Every case is different, but we strongly suggest you take the following steps if you find yourself in this difficult situation;

Report any incidents to the police;
Go to your GP if you have been assaulted;
Ask a trusted friend to take photographs of any injuries;
If abusive messages are left on your telephone, then keep the messages;
Make diary notes so that you can recall the dates and incidents.

These can all be important pieces of evidence if you decide to apply to Court for protection.

You are not alone

Domestic abuse occurs across society. Although government figures show that domestic abuse consists mainly of violence by men against women, it is not restricted to these circumstances. Men too are abused by their partners and children can also be caught up in domestic violence. Domestic violence is any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (be it physical or emotional) between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.

Although domestic violence is chronically under reported, research estimates:

It will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime;
On average, two women are killed every week by a current or former male partner
It accounts for 16% of all violent crime
One incident of domestic violence is reported to the police every minute
77% of victims of domestic violence are women
There are more repeat victims than any other crime (on average there will have been 35 assaults before a victim calls the police)

If you would like further advice in relation to a family law matter please contact David Chapman on 0161 439 1845 or on d.chapman@halesolicitors.co.uk

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Octagon House, 8A Fir Road, Bramhall, Stockport, Cheshire SK7 2NP

Tel: 0161 439 0999