Graysons Solicitors In The Press

Domestic violence and abuse

If you have suffered domestic abuse, violence or harassment at the hands of your partner, a number of legal remedies are available which are aimed at protecting you.

Emma Hubbard, solicitor at Graysons in Sheffield, deals with many types of abuse cases involving married couples, cohabitants and ex-partners. “Legally speaking, domestic abuse includes any behaviour which is meant to hurt or frighten you. It can range from physical violence to threatening words or acts. Harassment includes things such as pestering with phone calls or damage to your property.”

An injunction is a court order which requires someone to do or not to do something. The most common court orders are:

• Non-molestation order – this type of injunction is aimed at preventing your partner or ex-partner from assaulting, harassing, pestering or intimidating you.

• Occupation order – this regulates who can live in the family home and can also restrict your abuser from coming within a certain distance of the home. An occupation order can:
• Allow you to remain in the home if your partner is trying to get you out.
• Allow you back into the home if your partner has already thrown you out.
• Remove your partner from the home.

If your abuser breaks a court order, they can be arrested or taken back to court. The judge can punish someone in a number of ways including fines or imprisonment, which may range from a few days to months depending on the circumstances.

Emma says, “Victims of domestic abuse often feel trapped because they are unaware of the legal rights they have and the support available to them. I would recommend anyone in this situation to seek legal advice to find out what options they have.”

Legal aid is available to pay solicitors fees for people on low incomes or state benefits.