The government has clarified that the Stay at Home Rules which require people to remain in their homes save for some limited exceptions do not apply to victims of domestic abuse. The Home Secretary advised that the National Domestic Abuse Helpline remains open on 0808 2000 247 or on the internet via https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/
“Whilst our advice is to stay at home, anyone who is at risk of, or experiencing, domestic abuse, is still able to leave and seek refuge. Refuges remain open, and the police will provide support to all individuals who are being abused – whether physically, emotionally, or otherwise,”
Domestic abuse in this context includes not just physical abuse. It includes, but is not limited to, psychological abuse and controlling behaviour.
Click here to read our advice if you have suffered domestic violence in your relationship.
As well as police involvement, there are actions you can take in the Family Court. This includes:
- Non-molestation order – these orders are designed to stop the abusers behaviour, by requiring them to stop using violence, threats, harassment or intimidation. Non-molestation orders can lead to an arrest if breached by the perpetrator.
- Occupation orders– the court may order an abuser to leave a property, to enable you to continue living there without abuse.
The Family Court is still open during the pandemic, and judges are available to hear applications for these types of orders. Cases have moved online, and court hearings are being dealt with on paper or using video link.
Our office remains fully operational during the Coronavirus Crisis lockdown.
Visit our Coronavirus COVID-19 Family Law Resource Centre to get free and recently updated knowledge relating to family law issues in the current crisis.
