Christmas is a joyous time of year for all, or is it?
While the high streets and shop windows are adorned with decorations and there is much excitement and anticipation in the air for some, the festive season sadly doesn’t bring joy to anyone living with domestic violence or contemplating divorce or separation. In fact, it is the most feared time of year with abusers often at home longer leading to the escalating of arguments, intimidation and often violence. Police report a spike of abuse and violence at this time of year, year on year.
The ongoing battle to leave or stay, what happens about money, care of your children, where you will live etc doesn’t go away just because of the time of year. It is therefore important to know you can reach out – you do not need to suffer in silence.
Is it really domestic abuse?
Domestic abuse is an incident or pattern of incidents – these can be controlling, threatening, degrading and/or violent. In the vast majority of cases, it is women that experience violence perpetrated by men but not exclusively.
Domestic abuse can include, but not be limited to: Coercive control – a pattern of isolation or control where one partner threatens the other physically or sexually to control their behaviour, physical or sexual abuse, emotional abuse, harassment, stalking, online or digital abuse are all forms of domestic abuse.
Can I get help/support without involving the police?
If you are experiencing any form of abuse, you can call:
Womens Aid – 0800 2000 247 – free 24 hour helpline
Men’s Advice line – 0808 801 0327
Specialist advice & longer-term planning for victims of domestic abuse
Gaining immediate help and support is imperative, however, planning for an alternative future is key to mental wellbeing and happiness. Kidd Rapinet’s experienced family lawyers deal with complex relationships and their domestic violence specialist lawyer brings an entirely different level of understanding and support to men and women suffering from abuse.
This article has been prepared by our family team at Kidd Rapinet High Wycombe. For further help, please call Claire Lancaster or Catherine Banks on 01494 611020. You can arrange an appointment with any of the family lawyers across our other offices in Aylesbury, Canary Wharf, Farnham, Maidenhead or Slough, using the form provided. Please use the links provided to find more information on divorce or separation, child arrangements and other areas of family law.
These materials and content have been prepared for the benefit of their viewers/readers. They are intended for marketing purposes only and are of a general nature and do not constitute legal advice applicable to any particular facts or circumstances. Kidd Rapinet LLP and/or the author(s) accept no duty of care, responsibility or liability for any loss or damage which you or any third party may suffer as a result of any reliance or use by you or they of these marketing materials and content, except to the extent it is not legally possible to exclude such liability. If you require legal advice on your own situation, please contact us so we can discuss how we may assist.