Domestic Abuse

Being a victim of domestic violence or abuse is frightening and isolating, but you are not alone.

We have helped many victims through sensitive, complex and traumatic situations. If you are scared and don’t know where to turn, talk to us.

We’ll listen carefully and explain your legal options clearly. Then, we’ll help you find a clear path to move forward, safely and at your own pace.

Top-ranked for family law by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500, our specialist family lawyers have decades of collective experience helping victims of domestic abuse reclaim their safety and wellbeing.

What is domestic abuse and violence?

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercing, threatening, degrading or violent behaviour by one person against an intimate partner.

Domestic abuse is far more common than many people realise. According to the ONS, around 1 in 4 people will experience it at some point, with 9.5% of women (2.3 million) and 6.5% of men (1.5 million) affected in the last year.

The aim is typically to gain and maintain power and control. It does not always involve physical violence – the abusive behaviour can include any of the following:

• Physical abuse – hurting or harming someone through hitting, slapping or restricting their movement
• Sexual abuse – forcing or threatening someone into sexual activity without their consent
• Controlling or coercive behaviour – psychological, emotional or physical behaviour intended to dominate a partner and make them dependent
• Economic abuse – restricting a partner’s ability to acquire, access and use money or other financial resources
• Emotional abuse – words and non-physical actions designed to manipulate another and make them question their own thinking

Domestic abuse is a criminal offence. If any of the above feels familiar, you do not have to face it alone.

I’m a victim of domestic abuse. What legal protections are there?

Injunctions are legal orders that place binding restrictions on the person who has abused you. There are three main types:

• Non-molestation orders prevent the abuser from threatening, harassing or intimidating you in any way. Breaching one is a criminal offence.
• Occupation orders set out who is entitled to live in the family home and can require the abuser to leave.
• Domestic abuse protection orders (DAPOs), introduced in 2024, can prohibit the abusive partner from making contact or coming near your home. They can also include positive requirements, such as compelling them to attend a behaviour programme.

When you contact us, we will listen carefully and advise you on the right protections for your situation.

Where necessary, we can apply for the appropriate legal safeguards on your behalf and connect you with the relevant authorities and specialist support.

If your experience leads you to consider separation or divorce, we can also guide you through this process sensitively.

How do I report domestic abuse and violence?

If you are in immediate danger, call 999. Non-emergency domestic abuse cases can also be reported to the police by calling 101.

Contacting a specialist family lawyer alongside reporting to the police can help to ensure the correct legal protections are in place quickly.

Harrogate Family Law: specialist family lawyers for domestic abuse and violence

With vast experience handling sensitive and traumatic cases, we truly understand the physical and psychological impact of domestic abuse. It takes courage to reach out, and we are here when you are ready.

Recognised as ‘a considerable force in family law within Yorkshire’ according to The Legal 500 and also top rated by Chambers & Partners, we practice exclusively in family law.

This allows us to combine the expertise of a large law firm with the personal, one-to-one approach of a smaller practice, and it’s why we are rated ‘Excellent’ by our clients.

Based in central Harrogate, we help victims across the country. When you are ready to take the first step, we are here and will be with you for the journey ahead.

Contact us today to arrange a free, confidential initial consultation with a family law specialist.