Domestic Abuse and The Law
The UK government’s definition of domestic violence is ‘any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.’
Although statistics would lead you to believe that women endure abuse more than men, it can be the other way around. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 aims to provide further protection for victims of domestic abuse and bring the perpetrators to justice, whilst raising awareness on the topic and demonstrating the devastating impact that domestic abuse can have.
Experiencing domestic abuse can be extremely distressing, and it’s certainly something that no one should have to deal with or go through, especially not alone.
Often, those who need support regarding domestic abuse cases are living with their abuser. On average, the police in England and Wales receive over 100 calls relating to domestic incidents every hour, with more women making the call than men.
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we work collaboratively alongside our clients to make sure that they get the best possible result from their cases - our expert team has years of experience working in both criminal and family law.
If you or a loved one has experienced domestic abuse, it’s crucial that you reach out to the relevant organisations who can help and offer support. Although we encourage victims of domestic abuse to call the police in times of need, or a helpline for emotional support, we also urge victims to contact us today if they need professional, legal help.
More protection is needed for those experiencing domestic abuse and more perpetrators should be prosecuted. The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 is set in place to make victims feel both seen and heard, making it clear that children are also victims of abuse if they experience any effects of abuse between their caregivers.
At Bell Lamb and Joynson, we take a significantly larger proportion of domestic abuse cases on than our competitors. We feel it is essential that victims have the right people around them when it comes to dealing with their abuser, which is exactly what our dedicated, expert team are here to do.
We understand how hard it can be to speak openly about domestic abuse, but we welcome victims with open arms and a warm smile – we strive to ensure that our offices are a safe space, with no judgment. We recognise the resilience and courage it takes to speak about such personal circumstances.
Who Faces Abuse?
Regardless of age, gender, sexuality, disability, immigration status or religious beliefs, anyone can be subjected to domestic abuse.
It is certainly a misconception that men do not experience abuse, with a stigma around the topic. Men are also victims of abuse, whether that be physical, emotional, mental, or financial.
It’s important that we emphasise that domestic abuse isn’t always physical but can also be emotional and controlling behaviour, amongst other things. Depending on the nature of the offences at hand, you can rest assured that your case will be taken seriously.
The Domestic Abuse Act was introduced in 2021. If a victim of domestic abuse is under 17, the case will still be taken to court, but would be heard in a youth court.
How Bell Lamb & Joynson can Help with Domestic Abuse
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we have been dealing with an array of domestic abuse cases since establishing our business back in 1821, over 200 years ago. Our team of experts are here to deal with all case variants, putting our all into making sure our clients get the results they deserve and want.
We act as both a friend and legal expert. Offering domestic abuse support whilst you’re working alongside us, we take all the necessary measures to ensure you feel safe.
Having the benefit of legal aid funding for representation is key - this is something our team members can help with.
Bell Lamb & Joynson have won multiple awards, sitting at the top of the list when it comes to some of the best firms in England. We offer a variety of services, ensuring our customers can deal with all their issues confidently through us.
With a wide range of five-star reviews and positive client feedback, you do not have to take our word for it.
Our network of professionals will make you feel safe from the get-go, something many firms don’t understand the importance of. If you would like any additional information about how we can assist you or a loved one who is experiencing abuse case, contact us today.