Family and Children

Domestic Violence

It sometimes happens that before a divorce starts, or during the divorce, one person becomes violent, hostile, or threatening to the other. If the situation becomes life threatening, first get yourself and your children away from the husband or wife as soon as you can. Then call the Police.

If you have been hurt, call the emergency services or go to the Accident & Emergency at your nearest hospital. Explain what has happened and ask them to record your injuries so that they can give evidence about them if you need it. It may be helpful to get photographs of injuries while they are fresh.

The Police may take action against your husband or wife if he or she has committed a crime. The Police may also be able to give you information on other organisations who can assist you with temporary shelter and care. As solicitors we also have information on a network of agencies which may be able to help you.

As well, the Civil Courts have power to protect you by making an order called an Injunction. This is an emergency procedure and should be dealt with as soon as possible after the incident has occurred. Your solicitor will make an application to the Court for a Non-Molestation Order and/or an Occupation Order to stop the behaviour. A Non-Molestation Order can for example stop a person from harassing, assaulting or molesting or even communicating with the other person, or the children, and also can remove that person from the home. Such orders can also include penal notices and powers of arrest for the Police , so that if the behaviour continues the offender can be brought before the Court and potentially sent to prison.

If the behaviour is not as serious, but it has been unpleasant, a strong warning letter from a solicitor may prevent or reduce further unpleasantness.

Nowadays, violent behaviour in the home no longer needs to be tolerated. The Police are now more attuned to dealing with such situations through their specialist units, and we can help you further with civil actions if necessary. Please contact one of our experienced team below, to discuss the best course of action for your situation.

If you know who you want to contact in the Family Law Dept.,
follow their link for details;

Iain White, Jane Anderson, Sandra Nunn or Carly Sullivan

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