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. 

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. 

What our clients say about us?

“A regional superpower, Mills & Reeve is very effective in high-value divorce cases with complex financial elements, the client care is second to none and it continues to provide an amazing Rolls Royce service.”

Legal 500

“Couldn't fault the service, especially the promptness of dealing with emails and fitting us in last minute for appointments. ”

A client

“Mills & Reeve LLP fields a team that provides absolutely first -rate service.”

Legal 500

Get in touch

Our team of legal experts are here to support you.
Contact one of our lawyers today.

Contact us

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.

Who do we work for?

We're divorce solicitors who are proud to work with a huge range of clients from a variety of backgrounds, including:

  • Business owners, entrepreneurs and their partners
  • Farming families
  • High net worth and ultra-high net worth families
  • International families
  • Medical professionals
  • Professional and family trustees
  • People with a high profile in the entertainment industry
  • Senior management and other professionals
  • Sports people

Why choose Mills & Reeve family solicitors?

We know how valuable it is for you to work with a team that takes the time to understand your unique circumstances and offers tailored legal solutions to give you the best outcome.

We're proud to have one of the UK's leading divorce law teams. Here are just a few reasons why you can trust us to be your divorce solicitors:

Resources

Explaining family law podcast

Facing a family law issue and not sure what's involved? Our podcast is the right place to start.

Listen to our podcast

Family and children blog

Our family and children law blog provides practical advice and insight on a wide range of topics by our family and children lawyers.

Visit our blog

Navigating separation survey

Explore key findings from our YouGov survey on married individuals' views on family law issues and dispute resolution.

Read more

Domestic abuse FAQs

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour designed to control someone. It can happen at any point in a relationship, including after you have split up. Domestic abuse can happen to anyone, regardless of age, background, gender, religion, sexuality or ethnicity, and it can take different forms:

  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • financial abuse
  • coercive and controlling behaviour, including gaslighting and emotional abuse
  • digital/online abuse
  • so-called ‘honour-based’ violence
  • forced marriage
  • female genital mutilation (FGM)

Domestic abuse isn’t always physical. Coercive control is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten the victim.  It is designed to make a person dependent on their abuser by isolating them from support, exploiting them, depriving them of independence and regulating their everyday behaviour.

An IDVA - an independent domestic violence advocate/advisor - is a specialist professional who works with someone who has suffered domestic abuse - and any children - to help keep them safe. They can help with practical things such as home security or advice on housing options as well as helping navigate the legal options in both the civil and criminal courts.

If you make allegations during family law proceedings and your ex denies them, the judge will consider whether there should be a fact finding hearing. This is a special hearing which is arranged just to decide whether or not the allegations are true. Fact finding hearings are most common in children proceedings but they can also happen in other family law proceedings such as for domestic violence injunctions or financial disputes.  A judge will listen to the evidence and will make a decision about each allegation.  Those allegations that are found to be true can be taken into account when other decisions are made. 

Related sectors & services

Private wealth Children Divorce and separation International family law Surrogacy and fertility law Unmarried couples Alternatives to court Wealth protection