Family Solicitors

The Safer Hartlepool Partnership is seeking local people’s views on its draft Hartlepool Domestic Abuse Strategy 2016-2019.

Hartlepool residents have until the end of August 2016 to offer their views –
and are also being encouraged to complete a questionnaire.

The draft strategy states:

“Domestic abuse has a devastating effect on victims, their children, families and the wider community.

“It is characterised by patterns of coercive, controlling or threatening behaviour, and can involve physical, psychological, financial, emotional and sexual abuse.

“By producing this updated Strategy, the Safer Hartlepool Partnership aims to send out a clear message that domestic abuse will not be tolerated, and that we will work together to do all that we can over the next three years to raise awareness, prevent abuse, protect and support victims, and challenge perpetrators.”

The draft strategy points out that one in four women will experience domestic abuse during their lifetime – and domestic abuse has the highest rate of repeat victimisation of any crime type.

Around one in seven children and young people under the age of 16 will have also lived with domestic violence at some point in their childhood – and nearly 20% of domestic abuse incidents are linked to alcohol.

Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership and Leader of Hartlepool Council, Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, said:

“Domestic abuse is a top priority for the Safer Hartlepool Partnership.

“Anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse regardless of their gender, ethnicity, religion, sexuality, class, age or disability.

“It can have a devastating effect on all family members – and it is vital that we have the best possible systems and support in place to eradicate it.

“I hope that people will take the opportunity to read the draft strategy and let us have their views by completing the questionnaire.”

A copy of the draft strategy is available at http://www.saferhartlepool.co.uk/.

Duncan Lewis Domestic Violence Solicitors

Duncan Lewis domestic violence solicitors can advise victims of domestic abuse on how to tackle the issues within the law, including 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.