Domestic Violence Solicitors in Birmingham, London, Northampton

As Featured In

It can even occur between couples who do not live together. No matter your gender, race, religion or sexuality, anyone can experience domestic abuse. Not to mention, domestic violence is not just limited to physical violence. It may also manifest in the form of emotional, sexual or financial abuse. What’s more, children can be victims if they have witnessed the abuse.

On the surface, getting away from an abuser may seem simple. However, our specialist domestic violence solicitors understand how challenging this process can be both emotionally and practically. That is why we provide the legal advice and support you need to break ties without fear of danger. Our experts can even help you apply to the family court for an occupation or non-molestation order, providing you or your children with the protection of the court.

Our family lawyers have a wealth of experience handling sensitive cases involving domestic violence and excel at helping clients move forward with their lives. To live a happier and healthier life, arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our domestic abuse lawyers. Simply call us on 0300 303 2071 or email info@witansolicitors.co.uk.

What is Emotional Abuse?

Unlike physical abuse, emotional abuse can be hard to spot. After all, it does not leave physical evidence on the victim. However, the short-term and long-term effects of emotional abuse can be just as serious as the effects of physical abuse.

In simple terms, emotional abuse refers to incidents where the abuser attempts to gain psychological power and control over the victim. Generally, it will: involve:

• Attempts to scare the victim
• Attempts to control the victim
• Attempts to humiliate the victim
• Attempts to isolate the victim
• Ignoring the victim
• Making the victim believe they are worthless

What is Coercive Controlling Behaviour?

Coercive behaviour refers to acts of intimidation, threats, assault or humiliation in order to punish, harm or scare the victim. Controlling behaviour covers a range of acts designed to make the victim dependent on the abuser and/or make them feel inferior by:

• Depriving the victim of means for independence
• Exploiting the victim’s resources and capabilities for personal gain
• Isolating the victim from sources of support
• Regulating the victim’s everyday behaviour

What is Gaslighting?

In a nutshell, gaslighting is a form of psychological abuse or intimidation where the abuser presents false information to the victim so that they doubt their perception and memory. In some cases, gaslighting is used after incidents of physical abuse to prevent it from being reported.

Gaslighting can have lasting effects on the victim’s mental health but it is not always easy for victims to spot. Here are the key characteristics of gaslighting:

• Contradiction
• Denial
• Manipulation
• Misdirection
• Lying

What is Narcissistic Personality Disorder?

Although some people may have narcissistic traits, narcissistic personality disorder is characterised by an unreasonably high sense of self-importance, an excessive need for admiration and a lack of empathy for others.

While family law cases do not always involve this disorder, our domestic violence lawyers excel at handling cases involving narcissism and will ensure that appropriate protections are put in place so you can move on as soon as possible.

How Our Lawyers for Domestic Violence Can Help

If you or your loved one are a victim of domestic abuse, there are a number of legal options available. With your safety in mind, our domestic violence solicitors can advise on the most appropriate steps to take – whether that be reporting the abuse to the police, leaving the home or even getting the abuser to leave.

But our legal support does not just end once you are safe. Our specialist solicitors for domestic violence can help you:

• Permanently separate from your partner
• Take action to keep your abuser away from you
• Protect your right to the family home
• Put appropriate contact arrangements in place between your children and former partner

Our domestic violence lawyers can also advise those facing allegations of domestic violence on the following issues:

• Whether it is appropriate to continue living together
• What steps can be taken to protect you from further allegations
• Maintaining contact with your children
• Protect your rights to the family home

What If I Cannot Afford Legal Support?

If you cannot afford legal representation, there is no need to worry. We provide a range of funding options to ensure that you get the legal advice and support you need. To discover how we can help you or your children, learn more about our funding options.

Reporting Domestic Abuse

If you or your loved one are in immediate danger, call 999 immediately. Whether you are experiencing physical, sexual, emotional or financial abuse, it is important to contact the police at the earliest opportunity. They can warn the abuser to refrain from contacting you or they risk being arrested.

In some cases, you can apply to the court for an injunction prohibiting the abuser from intimidating, pestering or acting violently towards you. It is also possible to obtain an occupation order to remove the abuser from the home or prevent them from visiting it.

Depending on how serious the case is, the court can quickly issue an injunction on an emergency basis. If the abuser fails to comply with the injunction, they may face imprisonment or other sanctions.

Protecting Your Children

Naturally, as a parent, you want to protect your child and keep them safe. Witnessing domestic abuse can have a devastating impact on your children. In such cases, it is crucial to take the same actions mentioned above, including calling the police, seeking legal advice and applying to the court.

Why Choose Witan Solicitors?

Since 2014, our family lawyers have been helping survivors of domestic abuse get the support they deserve. The safety of you and your loved ones is our top priority. That is why we always provide practical and straightforward legal advice so you can find the most appropriate solution. Plus, our advice is backed by years of experience handling family law cases. With us, you benefit from:

• More than 100 years of combined family law experience
• Representation from a law firm that has been recognised by the Legal 500 
• Practical legal advice without confusing jargon
• Proven track record of successfully handling domestic abuse cases
• Domestic violence solicitors in London, Birmingham and Northampton