Abuse has a devastating effect on those directly involved, as well as those around them, such as family members (particularly children and dependants), friends, work colleagues and employers.
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents of coercive, controlling, threatening, violent or abusive behaviour perpetrated by a partner, ex-partner or family member, regardless of gender or sexuality, including but not limited to:
- physical or sexual abuse
- violent or threatening behaviour
- controlling or coercive behaviour
- economic abuse
- psychological or emotional abuse
Abuse isn't limited to couples or family relationships and can occur in a number of different situations. We provide those who are affected by abuse with advice and support across the firm's service areas. We further draw on a network of specialist contacts providing support services with whom we have strong and valued relationships.
We assist survivors of abuse in taking practical steps to secure their safety and security. We work closely with therapists and other appropriate professionals to help survivors regain independence.
We have a wealth of experience in obtaining protective orders to secure the safety of survivors and children, including non-molestation and occupation orders. In cases concerning children where abuse is raised we work to ensure that any contact arrangements have the children's welfare as a top priority.
Increasingly, technology is being used by perpetrators of abuse as a method of control, whether accessing the survivor's bank accounts, posting personal details or images online or cyber-stalking. We advise clients on the best way to maintain online security, as well as taking appropriate action where privacy has been breached.
We work closely with our Private Wealth Disputes team in circumstances where issues of coercion and control arise within family relationships, for example where a matter involves vulnerable and/ or elderly persons or where the dispute involves allegations of undue influence in the context of lifetime gifts or following death in relation to wills and other testamentary documents.
Where immigration status is in question as a result of abuse or relationship breakdown, we co-ordinate our approach with our Immigration team, to ensure the right assistance is available through every aspect of the matter. Should allegations of abuse, or the experience of abuse have a potential impact on a person's reputation or livelihood, our Reputation team can provide further guidance and support.
We work with a wide range of specialist professionals as a dedicated point of contact for all enquiries in line with a family's needs.
If you would like any further information or want to discuss any of the legal remedies available, please speak to your contact at the Firm or to a member of the Abuse and Coercive Control team.