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Support for domestic abuse sufferers during the Covid-19 outbreak (8 April 2020)

Date: 08/04/2020
Duncan Lewis, Legal News Solicitors, Support for domestic abuse sufferers during the Covid-19 outbreak

During these difficult times we understand that families are struggling. Police forces have reported that they have already seen a small rise in domestic abuse calls and other family-law matters. In parts of the country, there has been a 20.9% increase in domestic abuse incidents since the introduction of the lockdown.

The government advice is clear; stay at home. However, sadly, not everyone is safe at home and the closure of schools and workplaces as well as the uncertainty around finances can put additional pressure on relationships. The stay at home guidance means that many victims of domestic abuse are now having to spend more time with their abusive partner, and are unable to easily access their usual support network.

Priti Patel, the Secretary of State for the Home Department, recently confirmed that if required, refuges will remain open, and the government has given £1.6 billion to local councils and charities to help support those in need.

Our teams of family lawyers are also still here to help individuals who are suffering whilst these unprecedented measures are in place. In accordance with social distancing rules, our offices are closed, however we are still able to work remotely in order to offer legal support to those who need it and can still take on new matters.

New matters include but are not limited to the following:


  • Making urgent applications, including injunctions or Child Arrangements Orders

  • Attending hearings via telephone or video conference

  • Telephone or video appointments for meetings with clients



Despite no face-to-face appointments being available, there are other methods of communication such as telephone appointments and video conferences. These measures are currently in place with the court service too, therefore if there are any urgent or upcoming hearings, we may be able to assist.

We have contacted many domestic violence organisations and charities in Leeds, Manchester and Liverpool and the overall belief was that the court system is currently not operating due to Covid-19. We would like to assure people that the courts are still dealing with urgent cases, in order to ensure that the most vulnerable continue to have access to justice and protection in these unprecedented times.

Court hearings are also currently being conducted remotely. This means that they are being held either via telephone or video links. This is to ensure that the justice system still carries out their duties in protecting the member of the public.

We are able to assist with court hearings through any methods necessary. Our meetings with clients are also still going ahead as planned and are being temporarily conducted through either telephone appointments or video links, depending on the preference and accessibility of the client.


What is an injunction?

An injunction is a court order which prohibits a person from doing something. The most common injunction we assist with is a Non-Molestation Order (NMO).

A NMO can be made to protect an individual, and sometimes their children, who are at risk of violence or abuse. There are two ways in which a NMO can be applied for; with notice and without notice.

A with notice application is when an application is submitted to the court, with the knowledge of the respondent. The respondent would be aware of the application before the court decides whether or not to make an order and can also attend the court hearing.

A without notice application is when the application is made to the court without the respondent being aware. The first hearing will be for the applicant to express why it is necessary for them to be protected by the courts and why the order should be granted without the respondent’s knowledge. The respondent will then be made aware of the proceedings only after the court has already considered the application and will then have an opportunity at a second court hearing (the return date) to contest the application, should it be necessary.

For those seeking protection from the courts in the form of an injunction, we can assist with this on both a with notice and without notice basis.
We echo the words from Refuge.org.uk is “Domestic abuse is a crime and help is available. Do not suffer alone”.

Author Natalie Bapty is a caseworker in the family department at Duncan Lewis, working in the Bradford office under the supervision of director Meena Kumari.

Our family lawyers can assist on a range of family matters and have extensive experience assisting those who are victims of domestic violence. If you are in immediate danger we advise you contact the emergency services.

Contact Natalie on 01924 664547 or at NatalieBa@duncanlewis.com

Contact Meena on 01924 664548 or at meenaku@duncanlewis.com

Call us now on 033 3772 0409 or click here to send online enquiry.
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