Family Solicitors

Buckinghamshire County Council and its partners Thames Valley Police, Women’s Aid, SMART CJS and Rape Crisis are reminding the public that those with learning disabilities can be vulnerable to domestic violence and abuse.

The council used learning Disability Week – which ran from 19-25 June – to highlight to people that domestic abuse may be a problem for an individual in their family or community.

Domestic abuse can affect anyone – but research shows that a learning disability makes people more vulnerable, as they sometimes do not understand when a relationship is abusive and how they can take action to end it.

As with domestic abuse generally, the majority of victims in these situations are women.

Aylesbury Women's Aid said:

“Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse – this can mean physical violence, verbal or online abuse, sexual abuse, or financial exploitation. Often it is a combination of these.

“No one should suffer without assistance behind closed doors, which is why we must draw attention to those groups whose suffering sometimes goes unnoticed.”

Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Cabinet Member for Community Engagement & Public Health, Anne Wight, added:

“Because the issue of domestic abuse suffered by those with a learning disability is hidden, it means that victims are in danger of being left without a means of escape.”

Figures show that one in four women and one in six men will be affected by in their lifetime – and two women are murdered as a result of domestic abuse every week, with approximately 30 men killed by an abusive partner every year.

Domestic violence also accounts for 16% of all violent crime, according to the Crime report for England and Wales 2004-2005.

However, figures also show that domestic violence is one of the crimes that is least likely to be reported to the police.

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on how to tackle the issues within the law, including advising on controlling or coercive behaviour, domestic abuse between partners or spouses or same sex partners, child-parent domestic abuse, elder abuse, domestic abuse between friends or flatmates, and financial abuse.

Duncan Lewis is also able to advise on FGM, forced marriage, honour crimes and dowry disputes – and advises on family law under the laws of England and Wales and Islamic law.

For expert legal advice on tackling domestic abuse, call Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors in confidence on 0333 772 0409.

For urgent legal help with a domestic violence matter, call the Duncan Lewis Solicitors 24-Hour Emergency Helpline on 0333 772 0607, where a family lawyer is available 24/7.