Family Law - Domestic Violence & Injunctions

At Hegarty LLP we understand how difficult it can be seeking legal advice when things go wrong in a relationship. If one partner becomes violent towards the other, it should be stopped as quickly as possible. If you are feeling threatened or abused in any way and need help please contact Wendy Grey on 01733 295660.

IN AN EMERGENCY

If you have been attacked:

              - Phone 999

              - Seek medical assistance

              - Make yourself and your children safe

              - Seek assistance - Womens' Aid (0808 2000 247)

What is domestic violence?

Domestic violence is the pattern of controlling and aggressive behaviour from one person, usually a man, towards another, usually a woman, within the contact of an intimate relationship.

It can happen to anyone in all kinds of relationships.   People suffer domestic violence regardless of their social breed, class, age, race, disability, sexuality or lifestyle.   The abuse can start at any time.

Domestic violence can be: Physical, Sexual, Psychological, Emotional, Financial or Social Isolation.   Examples include:

•  Intimidation
•  Using emotional abuse - calling you names, playing mind games, and humiliating  you
•  Isolation - controlling who you see and what you do
•  Using children - threatening to take the children away to hurt them
•  Using power and control
•  Using economic control - preventing you from getting a job, controlling the amount of money you have

What to do

If you are experiencing domestic violence you should:

1) Make a safety plan and prepare to leave.

There are lots of organisations who can help you details are given overleaf.

2) Seek advice within 3 weeks of incident

It is harder to prove you received injuries after this time

3) Report incident to Police

They are used to helping people who are suffering domestic violence

4) Keep a detailed record

Details of when, where, what, injuries etc

5) Get legal help

You can call Wendy Grey at Hegarty LLP Solicitors on 01733 295660 who will try to see you as soon as possible sometimes on the same day.   She will take your details, see if you are applicable for Legal Aid and refer you to a solicitor.   Domestic violence cases can often receive Legal Aid.

What happens when you seek legal help?

Your solicitor can:

Send a warning letter (for all types of abuse)

If warning letter ignored, possibly start injunction proceedings

What is an Injunction?

An injunction can prevent threats or use of violence, harassment and pestering.   For example, it may forbid an ex-partner from making contact with their former partner, or from coming within a certain distance from the home.   If the Injunction is breached, the perpetrator (attacker) can be arrested, with a warrant, and brought within the Court within 24 hours.

Emergency injunction - your solicitor may be able to get an emergency injunction within 48 hours of reporting the incident.   The perpetrator (attacker) will not be present at court.

What about the children?

Often people stay with their partner because they are worried about what will happen to the children.   You don't have to leave your children behind, they can go with you to a refuge.

Useful Telephone Numbers (mainly Peterborough area)

Peterborough Police - 0845 456 4564 or 999 in an emergency

Social Services - Intakes & Assessment - 01733 746016

Womens Aid   - Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline on 0808 2000 247

Peterborough Womens's Centre - 01733 311564 or 01733 311568

Housing - 01733 563141

The Samaritans - 08457 909090

Talktime - support for children aged 6 to 19 who are experiencing parental conflict - 01733568281

Hegarty LLP Solicitors   - Legal help and whether you can claim Legal Aid, call Wendy Grey (Family Services Co-ordinator) - 01733 295660

Victim Support - 01733 349897