Domestic abuse

Our team are experts in advising those who have been impacted by domestic abuse or where domestic abuse allegations are a feature of the case.

Domestic abuse can take many different forms. Our specialist team know that those impacted by domestic abuse need sensitive, tailored and robust advice and support. The protection and welfare of individuals and children will always be at the forefront of that advice. 

Our lawyers

Our team are nationally recognised for their work with female and male survivors, whilst appreciating that domestic abuse disproportionately impacts women. We are regularly instructed on cases where findings in relation to domestic abuse are being considered by the court. We work closely with victims and those impacted by domestic abuse to consider how such abuse should impact the arrangements for their children.  In 2021, we acted for a parent in the leading case Court of Appeal case of Re H-N [2021] EWCA Civ 448 which altered the landscape of how the court approaches domestic abuse allegations in family proceedings. 

We are experienced and skilled in advising on protective injunctions (also known as non-molestation and occupation orders), reporting the abuse to the police, social services and other agencies. We work closely with those providing services to domestic abuse victims (such as IDVAs – independent domestic violence advocates / advisors) to ensure those impacted by domestic abuse are supported and empowered. 

A member of our team is a former Trustee of a large domestic abuse charity and trains legal professionals on the impact of domestic abuse. 
 

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What do you need to know?

  • Every year, over 2 million adults aged 16-59 in the UK suffer some form of domestic abuse. Of those, only one in five victims call the police. Our team understands why victims may choose not to report matters to the police. 
  • The law is developing in this area but society’s views, perceptions regarding victim behaviour and cultural norms means the impact of those laws are not having the impact hoped for. Domestic abuse and coercive and controlling behaviour are both defined in law and illegal but connected prosecutions remain limited. 
  • The impact of domestic abuse is varied and complex and can have far reaching psychological and physical implications for adults and children. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

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Videos from our lawyers

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In this vlog, Caitlin Jenkins, the familylawvlogger, introduces her colleague, Claudia Gilham, one of the specialist children law experts at Mills & Reeve. They discuss the sort of work that Claudia does with families who are in high conflict and in particular, the important role that fact finding hearings play in cases involving domestic abuse and the recent developments in this law in this area following the reported case of Re H-N.

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Blogs from our legal experts...

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