Blog post written by Seetal Missan

Domestic abuse in England is described as behaviour which is coercive, forceful, threatening and includes the following:

1. Physical
2. Verbal
3. Sexual
4. Emotional
5. Financial
6. Psychological

The definition of domestic abuse is therefore wide to provide protection and recognition for victims.

Domestic abuse includes controlling behaviours such as withholding money from a victim or preventing a victim from meeting family or friends. The victim may be threatened with consequences of physical abuse, leaving the victim to feel trapped and isolated.

If you have suffered the above or have been threatened with any of the above, you should report this to the Police immediately to ensure that you are provided with protection from the perpetrator/perpetrators.

Domestic abuse is not just limited to couples who have been in a relationship; it can be by other family members.

The victim may be prevented from talking to outsiders or from being able to access help and support and may therefore be frightened to seek help.

If an individual is concerned about their safety and wellbeing, they can apply to the Family Court for a Non-Molestation Order which is an order to protect an individual from domestic abuse and prohibit a perpetrator from approaching, pestering, threatening or coming within a certain distance of the victim’s home.

If the perpetrator is found guilty of breaching the order, they can be arrested by the Police and could face a term of imprisonment, depending upon the nature of the breach.

An application for a Non-Molestation Order can be made urgently to the Court, without giving notice to the perpetrator. This means that a victim can apply to the court for an order without the perpetrator knowing or being at court.

Protection is therefore available for victims of domestic abuse and they should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

If you would like further information concerning the above, please contact me on 02078411099.