Throughout March, a few members of the Harrogate Family Law team worked together to complete a fundraising challenge to support the domestic abuse charity Refuge.
In this week’s blog, we’re sharing why we chose to take part, some shocking statistics around domestic abuse, and why it always feels good to give back.
Why did we take part?
This is a cause that is very close to the hearts of our team. We’ve supported many clients as they take control back of their lives after leaving abusive relationships. As you can imagine, it’s a very emotional journey and one we’re honoured to be trusted with whenever someone chooses to have us in their corner.
As solicitors, we’ve helped clients who have experienced domestic abuse in all its forms including:
- Physical and emotional abuse.
- Economic abuse, when one party to the relationship financially controls the other.
- Technology abuse, which involves the misuse of digital devices and spaces to cause harm to victims.
- Coercive control – abuse that reduces a person’s self-worth, makes them question their choices and beliefs, and leaves them feeling completely isolated.
- Narcissistic abuse
- Domestic abuse against men
As well as the work we do representing our clients, our very own Laura Mounsey is truly going above and beyond to make a difference for the victims of domestic abuse away from the office, too.
In her spare time, Laura is working closely with the Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities, local justice boards, and the High Sheriff of Yorkshire to build a valuable resource for victims of abuse that will help them regain control of their futures.
But why are resources like this still needed? It’s because:
1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lifetime.
The police receive a domestic abuse-related call every 30 seconds, even though it’s believed only around 24% of cases are actually reported.
On average, a woman is killed by an abusive partner or ex-partner every five days.
20% of children have lived with a parent who is a perpetrator of domestic abuse.
(All statistics are sourced from the Refuge website).
Why are we supporting Refuge?
Refuge is one of the largest domestic abuse organisations in the UK, offering support to women who have experienced domestic abuse, regardless of their age, race, or abilities. While most of the people they support are women, Refuge also provides help to male victims of domestic abuse, too.
From housing and legal advice to support for children and access to government benefits, their services are far-reaching and, in many cases, life-saving. The value of this organisation can’t be overstated.
You can find out more about Refuge’s work here.
A team effort
As well as caring deeply about this cause, this challenge has also been an excellent way for us to spend time together as a team, coming together for a shared purpose.
From taking walks together to motivating each other in bad weather, this has been a great experience. It’s so in tune with the culture we share at our firm: having each other’s back and doing everything we can to make a difference.
We’re committed to helping where we can, supporting our clients and the causes that matter to them from the minute they pick up the phone to speak to us.
If you can, please consider making a donation to Refuge. Just £15 can help provide women with the essentials they need after they’ve left an abusive relationship, and make such a difference.
Thank you.
