Family Solicitors

Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, if you are a victim or survivor of domestic abuse, you may be wondering what assistance is available to you.It is acknowledged by the government that domestic abuse is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances.
Although the government’s guidance, includes advice to stay home, anyone who is at risk of, or experiencing abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge. We have been assured that the government will protect victims and there is help available if you are suffering.

What is domestic abuse?

Before we go onto looking at the help that is accessible, it is important to understand what domestic abuse is.

Domestic abuse includes, but is not limited to:

• Coercive control


• Financial abuse


• Verbal abuse


• Physical violence


• Mental and emotional abuse


• Sexual abuse

What can I do to get help?

1. Call 999
   
   If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and asked for the police. The police are continuing to respond to emergency calls.

If you are unable to speak, call 999 and press 55.


2. Reach out to support services
   
   The National Domestic Abuse Helpline, Women’s Aid and Men’s Aid are a few of the many agencies that are available to you.
   Such services will be able to provide you with guidance and support if you are a victim of domestic abuse or fear domestic abuse.



3. Go to a refuge
   
   Many refuges and other forms of accommodation which are domestic abuse safe remain open unless directed to close by Public Health England or the government.
   
   How self-isolation and infection control measures are practised within a refuge will depend upon the physical layout and the environmental settings of each refuge or safe accommodation in accordance with the government’s self-isolation policy.



4. Get in touch with us
   
   At Duncan Lewis Solicitors, we are continuing to provide legal advice and assistance to our clients and prospective clients during this unprecedented time.
   
   If you are experiencing domestic abuse there are two particular protective orders available to you:
   
   
   Non-Molestation Order
   
   These orders, if granted by the court, can protect you from further intimidation, harassment, abuse and violence at the hands of the perpetrator. They come with a Power of Arrest which make them more straightforwardly enforceable.
   
   
   Occupation Order
   
   If you are living with the perpetrator and as a result of domestic abuse, wish to exclude them from the family home, you can apply to the court for this order. If granted by the court, an occupation order can limit the perpetrator’s access to the property or exclude them from the property altogether.

If you seek any of the following:

• legal advice;


• protective measures to be put in place;


• help with child contact arrangements; or


• are unsure of the steps you can take and the support available to you.

Author family and child care caseworker Saphia Moulana is based in the firm’s Luton office and works under the supervision of director Natasha Khakhar. Saphia works on a wide range of matters including care, divorce, domestic abuse and financial proceedings.

For more information or if you need assistance please call Saphia directly on 0207 923 8534 or email SaphiaMo@duncanlewis.com.



Duncan Lewis Family Solicitors

Our family and child care teams are specialists in all aspects of family and private/public children law matters from offices across London and throughout the UK. Recognised by Legal 500 2020, the team is significantly experienced in domestic abuse matters, complex financial matrimonial matters (ancillary relief) relating to the breakdown of a marriage/relationship, with a broad practice representing parents, family members and children through their Guardian in all children public law proceedings.

Since 2013, Duncan Lewis has an established Islamic & Sharia Law team which specialises in Islamic Divorce, Islamic Financial Settlement & Mahr Claims under English Law.

For expert advice, contact one of our team of specialist solicitors on 033 3772 0409.