Domestic Violence and Abuse
Assisting survivors of domestic abuse through legal proceedings
Domestic abuse is cruel and complex and can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, religion or race. Domestic abuse is often a pattern of abusive behaviour or incidents that goes on for several weeks, months or even years but can also be one single incident.
If you are in danger, please call 999 and request the police. Support is also available through the National Domestic Violence Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or their website.
Our dedicated team of domestic abuse lawyers is committed to assisting survivors who have experienced abuse in its various forms, recognising that abuse extends beyond physical or sexual harm to encompass psychological dimensions, including coercive control, economic abuse, post-separation abuse, and tech abuse.
Understanding that each survivor's experience is unique, our domestic violence lawyers provide unwavering support while focusing on the safety and well-being of those affected. We emphasise the importance of seeking legal remedies to address the different forms of abuse, from obtaining protective orders to navigating the legal implications of coercive control and psychological and economic abuse.
Our team is dedicated to helping individuals establish legal measures to protect against ongoing harm. We understand the nuanced challenges that survivors face after leaving an abusive relationship and strive to provide tailored solutions that prioritise their safety.
Tech abuse is a growing concern in today's digital age, an issue our team addresses with sensitivity. We offer legal guidance to protect against online harassment, stalking, and other forms of technology-facilitated abuse, recognising the profound impact it can have on survivors' lives.
What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is common. It is defined as single or multiple instances resulting in a pattern of coercive, degrading, threatening, controlling or violent behaviour, which can include, but is not limited to, sexual violence. The majority of domestic abuse is at the hands of a partner or ex-partner, but it can also be from other family members or carers. The abuse is usually directed at women by men.
Physical and sexual abuse
Physical abuse is causing intentional bodily injury. It includes slapping, pinching, kicking, shoving or inappropriate use of drugs or physical restraints. There will be signs of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact or in simple terms, any unwanted sexual contact.
Coercive control
Coercive control is a behaviour in which one person in the relationship uses tactics, manipulation, intimidation and various forms of emotional and psychological abuse to gain power and control over their partner. It is more subtle but is no less serious.
Economic abuse
Economic abuse includes exerting control over income, spending, bank accounts, bills and borrowing. It includes controlling access to economic resources, diminishing the victim’s capacity to support themselves, forcing them to become dependent on the perpetrator financially.
False accusations of domestic abuse
If you believe that false accusations of domestic abuse have been made against you, then it is vital that you engage with our dedicated team of specialist domestic abuse at the earliest opportunity so that you can obtain the best possible advice.
Post separation abuse
This is patterns of abuse that continue after a relationship has ended and can take many forms long after the relationship has ended, which can cause problems if there is are children involved.
Tech abuse
Can also be known as digital abuse. A form of controlling behaviour that uses technology as a means of coercing, stalking or harassing you. This may be by hacking your phone, using social media, cameras or other kinds of technology.
Why choose us as your domestic abuse lawyers
Many people who experience domestic abuse are conscious of taking steps to free themselves due to the repercussions involved.
We are able to offer a confidential environment, enabling you to talk to an expert who is able to guide you through the process, provide you with solutions.
Most of all, they will listen to you and be able to offer you support. Our dedicated team can provide you with the support, expert bespoke advice and, signpost you to additional support and outreach support.
Our family lawyers are all members of Resolution. Our team are also ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners.
Meet the family law team
Philip Barnsley
Partner and Head of Family Law
Karen Gray
Associate - Family Law
Rhian Gray
Partner - Family Law
