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01865 244661 / 01869 252244 enquiries@hmg-law.co.uk

In an article published by BBC News, it was reported that the number of deaths as a result of domestic violence in 2018 has increased by 32 in comparison with the same in 2017. The majority of the 173 people killed were women at the hands of ex partners, partner or family members. What is Domestic Abuse? Domestic Abuse is defined as “any incident of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of their gender or sexuality.” What amounts to domestic abuse is not exhaustive but includes:

  • Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
  • Psychological and/or emotional abuse
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Financial or economic abuse
  • Harassment and stalking
  • Online or digital abuse

Getting Help and Support Do not wait for something serious or dangerous to happen before you decide to seek help. If you are experiencing domestic violence, it is important to remember that you are not alone. You can:

  • If it is an emergency than call 999
  • Talk to someone who understands at the free National Domestic Violence helpline on 0808 2000 247. This is in operation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  • If you are a man, you can talk to ManKind free on 01823 334 244 or Men’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0327 (mon-Fri 9am to 5pm).
  • Talk to your GP, midwife or health worker.

What We Can Do For You At HMG Law we have experienced Family Lawyers who are able to help ensure the necessary protection are in place to protect you or your loved ones. The Family Courts can make certain orders such as a non-molestation order or an occupation order. Non-Molestation Orders This is a form of an injunction that protects you and any relevant children from harassment or violence. You can apply for a non-molestation order even if the perpetrator is living with you. When an application is made, the court will consider your situation namely your safety, health and wellbeing. Occupation Orders This order deals with who will live in your home. The powers under this order include the abuser having to leave the home, confine the abuser to a particular area of the home at certain times, order the abuser to continue paying the rent/mortgage/outgoings on the home or allow back into the home if you were prevented to do so by the abuser. Who Does the Injunction Apply To? If you are a victim of domestic abuse you can apply for the above orders if the abuser is:

  • A close family member
  • Your spouse or civil partner (former or current)
  • A fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner (former or current the engagement or agreement to civil partnership ended within the last 3 years)
  • boyfriend, girlfriend, partner or a person you’re in or have been in a relationship with for more than 6 months

For new clients, we offer an initial fixed fee consultation with one of our family solicitors for a fee of £100 plus VAT. Please telephone Christina Cree, Alexandra Smith or Irrum Shah at Bicester 01869 252244 or at Oxford on 01865 244661