Domestic abuse is a very serious problem. Research indicates that it is widespread and has serious consequences, not just physical but also mental, emotional, social and financial, not only on the individual who has suffered it but also on the victims’ family and children.  There are wider costs to society as well including the cost of Police, health and to employers if a victim has to take time off work.

The Government has announced that it is to step up its response to domestic abuse. The Home Office has said that it will now be categorised as a national threat, requiring Police Forces throughout the UK to treat domestic abuse incidents as seriously as they would terrorism, organised crime and child abuse.  More domestic abusers are to be recorded on the Violent and Sex Offender Register.  They will be jointly managed by the Police, Prison and Probation Services.  In addition, an extra £8.4 million will be invested into Specialist Victim Support programmes over two years.

The Ask for Ani Scheme is to be expanded so that more people can access it, including in Job Centres (Ani stands is a codeword scheme that enables victims of domestic abuse to discretely ask for immediate help in participating Pharmacies and Job Centres.  This alerts staff to the fact that they require an emergency Police response or help contacting a Helpline or specialist support services.

In addition, there should be easier access to Legal Aid through new Protection Orders and Notices which are Civil Orders.  These will be piloted in certain areas and if successful, will be rolled out nationally.  Courts will be able to impose requirements such as attendance on behaviour change programmes alongside electronic monitoring and offenders will have to notify the Police of name and address changes.  Breaches of these Orders will be criminal offences.  The Notices and Orders will mean that the Police will be able to issue a Notice requiring a perpetrator to leave the victims home.  Orders will mean that the Court is able to issue longer term protections as outlined above.

At Ridley & Hall, we assist many victims of domestic abuse and the assistance we give is very often applying for Orders to protect them, including Non Molestation Orders meaning an Order to prevent the other party from using or threatening violence (or similar type of behaviour including harassment) and also Occupation Orders allowing victims to regain access or continue to occupy their home and so excluding the person who has been abusing them.  If you are involved in Court Proceedings concerning your children with the other party, we can also make sure that the Court is made aware of what has happened to you so the Court can consider the position fully.

Legal Aid may be available in certain circumstances. Get in touch with our family team on our freephone 0800 8 60 62 65 or via our live chat facility on our website.

Jane Munden – Partner & Solicitor