What is domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse can happen in many forms, including physical, emotional, psychological, financial, and sexual abuse.
It can happen in any relationship, regardless of gender, age, race or background. If you feel unsafe or controlled in your relationship, you may be experiencing domestic abuse.
Domestic abuse includes:
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Coercive control
- Gaslighting
- Economic abuse
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is where an individual exerts power, manipulation, and control over another person in a relationship. Unlike physical abuse, coercive control relies on psychological and emotional tactics to dominate and isolate the victim, undermining their individuality, independence and sense of self-worth.
Signs of coercive control include:
- Feeling trapped, powerless, or constantly fearful in a relationship
- Being criticised or belittled often
- Having to seek permission for routine decisions
- Feeling isolated from loved ones
What is gaslighting?
Gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse where an abuser manipulates a victim into doubting their perception of reality, memory, or judgment. It is a common tactic designed to undermine the victim’s confidence, create confusion, and maintain control over them.
Signs of gaslighting include:
- Denial of events or conversations
- Twisting facts to align with the abuser’s own narrative
- Belittling the victim’s feelings
- Blaming the victim
What is economic abuse?
Economic abuse is where an individual’s money, assets, or property are exploited or controlled. It can involve theft, fraud, and coercion, leaving the victim financially vulnerable and often dependent on their abuser.
Some examples of economic abuse are:
- Failing to repay borrowed money
- Stealing cash, possessions, or other valuables
- Pressuring the victim to transfer ownership of financial assets, property, pensions, or amend their will
- Taking control of benefits, pension payments, or other income sources
Securing protection orders
We can help you secure protective measures against domestic abuse, including non-molestation orders, occupation orders, divorce, and separation agreements.
How to get a non-molestation order
A non-molestation order usually lasts between 6 and 12 months. It is a court order that prohibits the abuser from any further physical or psychological abuse. A non-molestation order can be obtained quickly and can be obtained without the abuser knowing.
Breaching a non-molestation order can result in arrest and up to a five year prison sentence.
You can obtain a non-molestation order against spouses, ex-spouses, civil partners, family members, intimate partners or co-parents.
If you wish to discuss your options or want to discretely obtain a non-molestation order, speak to one of our family law experts today.
When to get an occupation order
An occupation order is a court order that determines who can live in or access a property. It can prevent someone from entering or remaining in a property, even if they are a sole or joint owner. Occupation orders are typically issued in serious situations where safety or wellbeing is at risk.
In urgent cases, an occupation order can be granted swiftly – but in most situations the other party will be notified of the application.
An occupation order lasts for up to 6 months.
Divorce and separation agreements
If your situation involves ending a marriage or partnership, we provide expert guidance on divorce proceedings and financial settlements. We can help you every step of the way to obtain a divorce, including division of assets, child living arrangements and anything else you may need.
If you believe you are a victim of domestic abuse, please get in touch today to discuss your options. We offer up to thirty minutes free for an initial consultation and fixed fees where appropriate. Our compassionate and discrete family law experts are on hand to help you today.
