It is not okay for you or your children to be subjected to physical, emotional or financial abuse from your partner.
Both criminal law and family law legislation is available to protect you and your children from abuse from your ex partner if your relationship has come to an end. As well as you reporting abusive behaviour to the Police, we can apply to the Court under the Family Law Act 1996 for the necessary orders to protect you and your children and, if appropriate, for you to live safely in the family home and be able to go about your daily life.
From our discussions with clients over the years, we have come to understand that acknowledging and accepting that you are in an abusive relationship is one of the hardest things anyone can do. Making the decision to take the necessary steps to prevent further abuse can be even harder, particularly as it can result in changes to where you are living and uncertainty about finances.
Colette Family Law is based in Whitley Bay. We help our clients to understand they have options and to decide what happens next. Call 0191 5806044 for an initial discussion to address any immediate concerns you have. We will also do our best to advise on your likely legal costs if you need us to help.
Let us help. Here is some further information which may be useful....
Domestic violence is controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between people aged over 16. It doesn’t matter what your gender or sexuality is.
It includes the following types of abuse:
psychological
physical
sexual
financial
emotional abuse
Anyone can experience domestic violence: it doesn’t matter whether you’re a man or woman.
Harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, female genital mutilation, forced marriage and honour-based abuse are also types of domestic violence and abuse.
Please click the arrow below for further information.
Controlling behaviour
Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour.
Coercive behaviour
Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.
Coercive or controlling behaviour offence
A coercive or controlling behaviour offence came into force in December 2015. It carries a maximum 5 years’ imprisonment, a fine or both. Victims who experience coercive and controlling behaviour that stops short of serious physical violence, but amounts to extreme psychological and emotional abuse, can bring their perpetrators to justice.
Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Orders
Domestic violence protection orders (DVPOs) have been in use across England and Wales since 8 March 2014. This follows the successful conclusion of a 1 year pilot in the West Mercia, Wiltshire and Greater Manchester police force areas.
Domestic violence protection orders are a new power that fills a gap in providing protection to victims by enabling the police and magistrates to put in place protection in the immediate aftermath of a domestic violence incident.
With DVPOs, a perpetrator can be banned with immediate effect from returning to a residence and from having contact with the victim for up to 28 days, allowing the victim time to consider their options and get the support they need.