Domestic Abuse Solicitors
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, our team of award-winning family law and domestic abuse solicitors are here when you need them most. If you’re experiencing domestic abuse and require legal protection from the courts, we can help.
Domestic abuse is often regarded as a pattern of incidents that display controlling, threatening, or violent behaviour. It can also include sexual threats and actions. In most cases, domestic abuse is from a current or ex-partner or family member. However, domestic abuse can happen to anyone by anyone.
Experiencing domestic abuse is frightening, isolating, and overwhelming. Whether the abuse is physical, emotional, financial, or controlling behaviour, you deserve safety and support. At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we help you take swift, practical steps to protect yourself and your children.
How We Can Help
- Injunctions
- Non-molestation orders
- Occupation orders
- Protecting children in cases of domestic abuse
- Separation and divorce in cases of domestic abuse
- Legal advice
- Trusted support
Protections Available from the Court
Two of the most common legal protections available are injunctions known as Non‑Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders. These can be applied for urgently and, in many cases, without the other person being notified in advance.
Non-Molestation Order
A Non‑Molestation Order is designed to protect you and any children from harassment, threats, intimidation, or violence. It can prevent an abuser from:
- Contacting you directly or indirectly
- Coming near your home, workplace, or your child’s school
- Using or threatening violence
- Encouraging others to harass or intimidate you
Breaching a Non‑Molestation Order is a criminal offence, meaning the police can take immediate action if the order is ignored.
Occupation Order
An Occupation Order regulates who can live in the family home. Depending on your situation, the court can:
- Require the abuser to leave the property
- Allow you to remain in the home, even if you are not the legal owner
- Set boundaries within the home if both parties must remain there temporarily
- Prevent the abuser from entering the surrounding area
Occupation Orders are often used when it is unsafe or unreasonable for you and the abuser to continue living under the same roof.
Who Can Apply
You may be able to apply for these orders if you are an ‘associated person’ with the abuser, for example, if you are or were partners, spouses, co‑parents, or family members, or if you have lived together.
Legal aid may be available for victims of domestic abuse, depending on your circumstances.
How Bell Lamb & Joynson Can Help
We understand how difficult it can be to reach out for help. Our family law team offers a safe, confidential, and compassionate service. We act quickly, guiding you through the process of applying for protective orders and helping you understand your rights every step of the way.
Don’t wait any longer to seek professional support. Our Family Law team are here to help you.
Domestic Abuse Solicitors FAQs
Domestic abuse includes any incident or pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, violent, or abusive behaviour between people aged 16 or over who are personally connected. It can be:
- Physical
- Emotional or psychological
- Sexual
- Financial
- Coercive or controlling behaviour
- Threats, intimidation, or harassment
Abuse is not limited to physical harm, many forms are subtle, persistent, and deeply damaging.
Coercive control is a pattern of behaviour used to isolate, dominate, or frighten someone. Examples include:
- Monitoring movements or messages
- Restricting access to money
- Preventing contact with friends or family
- Dictating daily activities
- Persistent humiliation or threats
This behaviour is a criminal offence and is taken seriously by the courts.
If someone’s behaviour makes you feel frightened, controlled, isolated, or unsafe, it may be abuse. Many people minimise or normalise what they are experiencing, speaking to a professional can help you understand your situation and your options.
Yes. In urgent or dangerous situations, you can apply for a without notice order. This means the court can grant protection before the other person is informed.
In emergencies, the court can make orders very quickly, sometimes on the same day. For non‑urgent cases, the timescale depends on the court’s availability, but urgent safety concerns are prioritised.
The police can take immediate action if you are in danger. They can:
- Arrest the perpetrator
- Issue protective notices
- Investigate criminal offences
You can seek family court protection even if you choose not to involve the police.
The family court takes domestic abuse extremely seriously. It will consider:
- The child’s safety
- Any risk of harm
- The impact of abuse on the child and the parent
- Whether contact should be supervised or restricted
Safeguarding checks, fact‑finding hearings, or protective measures may be ordered.
Yes. Domestic abuse includes abuse by:
- Parents
- Adult children
- Siblings
- Extended family members
- Anyone you live with or have a close personal connection to
Protection is available regardless of the relationship.
You do not need police reports or medical records, although they can help. Your statement, along with any supporting information you have, is usually enough for the court to consider an application.
Special measures can be put in place to protect you, such as:
- Separate waiting areas
- Screens in the courtroom
- Video‑link attendance
Your safety and wellbeing are prioritised.
Legal aid may be available for domestic abuse cases, depending on your financial circumstances and the evidence you can provide. We can advise you on eligibility and help you apply.
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services. Your safety comes first. Once you are safe, legal protection and support services can help you take the next steps.
Get in Touch
Get in touch with our domestic abuse solicitors in Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool North, Runcorn, Warrington, Maghull & Ashton-in-Makerfield.
For an informal chat about how we can help you, contact us in one of the following ways:
Call 03444 124348 | Ask us a Question
We’re happy to speak to you by phone, email or via video call on Microsoft Teams.
Or if you prefer, please feel free to come into one of our offices in Liverpool City Centre, Liverpool North, Maghull, Runcorn, Warrington and Ashton-in-Makerfield, where we will be happy to assist you further.