Divorce solicitors advise many clients who are the victim of domestic abuse. In an unhealthy relationship, it can be difficult to leave an abusive partner, but when a couple is married, separation can be even more challenging. Divorce solicitors can offer support and guidance for individuals suffering from an abusive partner’s actions and help them to get a fair outcome from their divorce.
Unfortunately, divorce solicitors will speak to many clients who have suffered domestic abuse. Alarmingly, statistics show in 2020, that domestic abuse has risen dramatically.
The National Domestic Abuse helpline has reported an 80% increase in calls to them in June. Since the government implemented lockdown orders, West Midlands police estimated their region experienced a daily average of 119 domestic abuse crimes. As COVID-19 lockdown measures forced everyone to stay in their home, this trapped many people in homes with an abusive partner.
The Rise In Domestic Abuse
A BBC Panorama documentary screened in August this year revealed the police received a domestic abuse call every 30 seconds in the first 7 weeks after lockdown measures were imposed. This statistic was obtained from UK police forces under laws governing the freedom of information. Some of the calls reported offences of extreme violence, kidnapping, revenge porn, arson attacks, and poisoning.
It’s important to highlight that domestic abuse isn’t only physical violence. Sometimes the abuse can be more nuanced and include controlling, coercive, and threatening behaviour. Abusive behaviour could include gaslighting, which means manipulating someone into doubting their sanity, an example of this is constantly lying. It can also encompass emotional neglect, financial control, and sexual abuse.
Domestic abusers will often use manipulative behaviour to try to control their partners. This behaviour could be an attempt to isolate their victim from their friends and family. Without a support network, victims of domestic abuse can find it more difficult to leave an abusive partner. As a result of the lockdown, people in an unhealthy relationship have felt even more isolated. However, it’s important to remember that there is still help and support available:
The Support Available
For anyone suffering from domestic abuse, despite lockdown restrictions, there is support out there. Divorce solicitors can help someone apply for different court orders, which can be done through telephone or video calls. For example, the court can restrict an abuser’s access to the family home and ban them from going near the property, this would be an occupation order.
Another relevant order would be an injunction that aims to prevent abusive behaviour called a non-molestation order. Breaching this order is a criminal offence and can put in place protections for anyone at risk of an abusive partner. When this order is not a strong enough deterrent, there are refuges open that will take people in and provide support. The police can also offer protection against an abuser.
If you’re the victim of domestic abuse, seek help. Call the 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline for free on 0808 2000 247 or if you’re in immediate danger call 999.
Another important step is to get in contact with a divorce solicitor. At BP Collins, they’re dedicated divorce solicitors provide support, expert legal advice, and always aim to deliver the best outcome for every client. Call them on +44 (0) 1753 889995 or visit our contact page today.