Unfortunately domestic violence does occur and this is something that we take very seriously.  No individual should have to fear for their safety or the safety of their children.  Domestic violence includes both physical and mental abuse as well as threats and intimidation from a family member.  It can be a one-off incident or a pattern of behaviour over many years.

Domestic violence often constitutes criminal assault.  If the situation is serious and you or your children are in immediate danger then you should contact the local police station immediately and seek their assistance.  The police are under an obligation to treat domestic violence and abuse seriously and cannot simply dismiss the matter as a “domestic incident.”

As well as bringing (or sometimes instead of) criminal charges it is often possible to obtain a civil court order (also known as an injunction) to exclude the abusive person from your home or other property (this is called an occupation order) and prohibiting the abusive person from further abuse (this is called a non-molestation order).  If a non-molestation or occupation order is breached it is likely that this will in itself amount to a criminal offence.  If you inform the police of the breach they should arrest the offender and prosecute them.  The offence is one for which the Court can award a prison sentence.

Effects of breaching a non-molestation order or occupation order
The breach of a non molestation order is a criminal offence and the police should immediately arrest anyone who is alleged to have breached such an order.  Anyone found guilty in criminal proceedings of breaching a non molestation order could be imprisoned for up to 5 years. A breach of a non molestation order can also be enforced through contempt of court proceedings.

If a power of arrest is attached to an occupation order then if the order is breached the police should arrest the offending party and present him to the Court to be dealt with.

Costs
Our approach to costs is open and frank. Our charges are calculated on the basis of the time we spend working on your matter. The hourly rates for the different levels of experience of our team members are competitive. Family problems and relationship breakdown can be stressful enough without the additional worry of meeting legal fees and we are often able to agree litigation funding arrangements to suit your particular needs and circumstances. 

Please contact us today for a free no obligation telephone discussion by calling us on one of the three telephone numbers referred to at the top of this page, or by email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it