As much as our team wish there wasn’t a need for an article to be written and dedicated to domestic abuse, we know all too well that the reality is it’s very much needed. Domestic abuse can feel a heavy label to give to a situation, so we’re here to walk you through its very nature and definition, as well as options you can take for domestic abuse support, should you yourself be affected by it, or somebody you happen to know.
Domestic abuse: the definition
A question we’re commonly asked is, ‘What is domestic abuse and how do I know if I’m experiencing it?’
To put it simply, domestic means anything that is occurring at home, which should be your safe space. This tends to occur between two people in a civil relationship but doesn’t mean the partners have to be married. Domestic abuse can occur in any relationship between two adults (aged 16 and over).
The Domestic Abuse Act, 2021 outlines domestic abuse to be the behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”), where the behaviour is abusive by nature. Regardless of whether it is a single action or a course of conduct, it is still domestic abuse and should be treated with the utmost seriousness, by its very nature.
Types of domestic abuse
Domestic abuse can take many different forms. It’s important to be aware of all of them. Our clients can be forgiven for assuming it shows itself in the physical form. However, as knowledge and understanding of the topic have developed, so have the forms in which domestic abuse is now identified.
The types of domestic abuse can be categorised by the following:
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Threatening and violent behaviour
- Verbal abuse
- Domination
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
- Economic or financial abuse
- Emotional, psychological or other abuse
- Harassment and stalking
- Online and digital abuse
For detailed information on each type of abuse, visit NHS advice.
How we can help
As domestic abuse specialist solicitors, Higgins Miller Solicitors , our number one priority is the safety and security of our clients. Especially when it comes to domestic abuse cases, we act quickly, with confidentiality and respect being at the heart of every decision we make. We work tirelessly to gain protection for our clients, whether this be from a current partner or an ex-partner.
Because we care, we understand how extremely difficult it is for anybody to take their bravest first step away from a domestically abusive situation. We whole-heartedly promise to be with you every step of the way, both legally and as a professional shoulder to lean on.
Domestic abuse support
In addition to a consultation with one of our team, we can help you to gain even further support through pointing you in the direction of specific domestic abuse-related services.
Higgins Miller and legal aid
To help our clients further, we’re incredibly proud to say that we are registered legal aid solicitors Manchester. Due to many factors, such as budget restrictions, Legal Aid has been hugely restricted and reduced over recent years. It’s important to check your eligibility, as we advise you not to assume you are definitely in receipt of Legal Aid. Again, this is something one of our trusted team members can discuss with you, either over the phone or during your first appointment.
Help is out there
Below, we’ve selected great, supportive links to help you, should you require any domestic abuse support.
- Womens Aid
- Mens Advice Line
- Stockport Domestic Abuse help (specific to Stockport residents)
- Gov advice – how to get help
Typing into Google will generate location-based services, so it’s targeted results will be based around where the person lives, so they can access local support quickly.
As with any legal matter, if after reading this article, you think you may need support with domestic abuse, please don’t hesitate give us a call on 0161 429 7251 or if you’d prefer, you can email us at [email protected]. We treat all enquiries with the utmost confidentiality and offer impartial, honest advice.
We look forward to helping you with your delicate situation whenever you feel ready to reach out. We’ll be here. Our next article is focused specifically on gaining legal aid for domestic abuses cases.