Domestic abuse is a widespread issue across the UK. It is well reported that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience domestic abuse throughout their life time.
The UK’s leading children’s charity, Barnardo’s, has responded to the recent consultation on the Domestic Abuse and Violence Bill. Barnardo’s say that children affected by domestic violence and abuse need specialist services to help them deal with trauma and have the chance to lead healthy and happy lives.
Unfortunately, many children are exposed to domestic abuse and the impact upon children can be devastating. It is a common misconception that if children are not physically harmed as a result of domestic abuse then, there will not be any impact upon them. This could not be further from the truth. The emotional impact upon children who have witnessed or heard domestic abuse can be devastating. If children have been exposed to domestic abuse this can effect them in their childhood and also in adult life. It is therefore quite right that children that have been effected by domestic abuse need to be able to access specialist services that can help them deal with the impact that domestic abuse has had on them. Hopefully, this intervention will allow them to go on and live happy lives where domestic abuse is not a factor.
Barnardo’s have conducted research which has shown that children in families where there is domestic abuse are often also vulnerable in other ways and can be affected by the experience for the rest of their lives. Barnardo’s runs 14 specialist abuse services.
It is essential that support is provided to children as Barnardo’s quite rightly, state that children who are not supported have a high chance of going on to be perpetrators or victims of domestic abuse themselves. Intervention at an early stage is therefore, the key to minimising or completely eliminating the risk of this happening.
At Ramsdens, we often work with clients that have fled domestic abuse and they have children as a result of the relationship. We can provide immediate support to the victim of domestic abuse and if necessary, we can apply to the Court for a Non-Molestation Order (often referred to as an injunction) for immediate protection. We can then provide help and advice in relation to protecting the children of the family and considering the long term care arrangements for the children.
Our specialist Solicitors deal with matters concerning domestic abuse and children in a sensitive and appropriate way. We understand that taking legal advice can be a huge step that takes a great deal of courage, we are here to help you every step of the way.
Ramsdens also have many working relationships with local charities and services that can provide you with a great deal of help and support for you and your children in relation to domestic abuse and the effects of this.
Call our Family Helpline on 08000 147720 to book a free consultation appointment at any of our offices. We will always accommodate urgent appointments on the same day where necessary.