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Category Archives: Domestic abuse

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Domestic Abuse

Many people tend to think domestic abuse is limited to the use of violence and intimidation but it is much more far reaching. The Government definition of domestic abuse is:

Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to:

  • Psychological
  • Physical
  • Sexual
  • Financial
  • Emotional

It is not just violence. Abusive behaviour can involve damaging someone’s self-worth, controlling finances, manipulation, preventing someone from having friendships or hobbies, humiliation, making someone feel guilty about what they’re wearing and what they eat. The list goes on…

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Funding

To assist we aim to make our cost structure as open as possible. At your initial interview costs will be discussed and you will be advised of how much our charges will be.

We usually require our costs in advance to enable us to start working for you as soon as possible, but if you are unable to make the payment at the outset we care prepared to agree an installment plan for you

We keep our costs to a very competitive level to reduce the stress involved in family disputes but we do not compromise on the quality of the expert legal service provided to our clients.

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Legal Aid Funding

If you have obtained an injunction or in certain other cases where there is proof that you have been a victim of domestic abuse legal aid can be available to help you with divorce, financial matters and arrangements for children.

If you need to make an application for an order that a child lives with you and this is supported by social services legal aid can be available to help you with the legal costs.

If social services are involved with your child and decide to make an application to court to potentially remove your child from your care you are automatically entitled to legal aid to instruct a specialist lawyer to represent you throughout the proceedings free of charge regardless of your income. Our solicitors who are members of the Law Society Children Panel specialise in helping parents at this very difficult time.

Sometimes, social services may ask you to attend a meeting about your children. These meetings are very serious legal meetings called “PLO Meetings”. PLO stands for Public Law Outline. You will receive a letter saying:

“LAST OPPORTUNITY TO STOP YOUR CHILDREN BEING REMOVED FROM YOUR CARE”

You must bring this letter with you and you will be seen urgently by one of our family lawyers. You will be entitled to free representation regardless of your income. Our lawyer will reassure you and make arrangements to attend the meeting with you.

We offer a free, no obligation initial appointment for up to 30 minutes where you can receive practical information about all other questions you may have, so get in touch today to make a free appointment with a specialist local lawyer and know your options.

If this affects you and you need to talk to someone in confidence about what you can do to stop the abuse please contact Clare Usher or Amir Assadi now by phone on 0191 296 1777 or by confidential e-mail to lawyer@hindle-campbell.co.uk to arrange a free initial consultation to discuss how we can help you.

Legal Aid has now been extended to cover the repercussions of domestic abuse, such as sorting out finances and arrangements for children

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Emergency injunctions/non-molestation orders

We can apply to a court by way of an emergency injunction. If the court is satisfied that you are at risk of harm, they can issue an emergency order there and then without your partner knowing until after the order is made. If they break the order they can face arrest and imprisonment.

We have contacts with a number of domestic abuse refuges and can act immediately to put in place the necessary court applications to protect you. We can put you in touch with specialist agencies who we work with closely, who can offer emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse.