Domestic abuse solicitors

Domestic abuse can take many different forms and is not limited to physical violence. It can also encompass coercive & controlling behaviour as well as emotional, financial, psychological, and sexual abuse – each of which can have equally profound and long-lasting effects on individuals and their families.

Domestic abuse matters can often be emotionally challenging, daunting, and complex to navigate. Our specialist domestic abuse solicitors provide clear, confidential and practical legal advice to clients across London and the South of England.

What is domestic abuse?

The government defines domestic abuse as:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse … regardless of gender or sexuality. This can encompass but is not limited to the following types of abuse: psychological, physical, sexual, financial and emotional”.

Domestic abuse can take many forms, including (but not limited to):

• Coercive and controlling behaviour
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Financial control or economic abuse
• Harassment, intimidation or threats
• Online or digital abuse

Recognising the signs of abuse is the first step toward securing protection and support. Our team can help you understand your legal options and take swift action where necessary.

Specialist legal support for victims of domestic abuse

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety is our priority. We offer urgent, sensitive and practical legal advice, including:

• Applying for Non‑Molestation Orders to prevent further harassment or harm
• Securing Occupation Orders to regulate who can live in the family home
• Advising on child arrangements where domestic abuse is a factor
• Working with the police, social services and support agencies
• Safety planning and guidance on gathering evidence

We understand how overwhelming these situations can be, and we work quickly to help you regain control and protect yourself and your children.

Legal advice for individuals accused of domestic abuse

Allegations of domestic abuse can have serious consequences, including restrictions on contact with children, exclusion from the family home and potential criminal proceedings. We provide clear, strategic advice to those facing allegations, including:

• Defending applications for Non‑Molestation or Occupation Orders
• Preparing evidence and statements
• Representation at court hearings
• Advice on child contact where allegations have been raised

We ensure your rights are protected and that your case is presented fairly and robustly.

Domestic abuse and child arrangements

Domestic abuse can significantly influence decisions about contact arrangements for children. Our solicitors advise on:

• Safeguarding concerns
• Fact‑finding hearings
• Risk assessments
• Supervised or supported contact arrangements
• Long‑term child arrangements
• Involving experts
• Emergency orders

We are committed to ensuring that the welfare of children remains at the heart of every decision made.

Non‑Molestation Orders: Applying for or defending an injunction

A Non‑Molestation Order is a court injunction designed to protect individuals from harassment, threats or violence. We assist with:

• Emergency without‑notice applications
• On notice applications
• Drafting witness statements
• Defending an injunction
• Advice on breaches and enforcement

These orders can often be obtained quickly, and we can guide you through the process from start to finish.

Occupation Orders: Regulating who lives in the family home

An Occupation Order determines who can live in or return to the family home. We help clients:

• Apply for urgent orders where safety is at risk
• Defend applications that may be unfair, disproportionate or obtained wrongfully
• Understand the court’s criteria, including harm, housing needs and financial resources

Occupation Orders can be vital in safeguarding individuals and children during a period of crisis.

Experienced domestic abuse solicitors

Our domestic abuse solicitors offer a sensitive and discrete service, providing both legal and practical advice dealing with abusive behaviour. We act quickly in urgent situations and provide guidance on evidence, safety planning and court applications.

This will often involve applying for and defending emergency applications to the court for protective orders (Non-Molestation Orders and Occupation Orders) as well as working alongside other agencies, including the police and social services. We also advise on child arrangements where domestic abuse is a factor and represent clients at all stages of the court process.

Your physical and emotional safety is our upmost priority, and we will work with you to achieve this.  In a previous article, our experts compiled the contact details of organisations providing support and advice on domestic abuse.

Get in touch with a member of the team for more support, advice and guidance. We can offer our services in both the South and London.