Domestic abuse is something that unfortunately continues to rear its ugly head in our society.
Research carried out by the Office for National Statistics calculates that two million people suffered domestic abuse at the hands of either partners or relatives in 2012. This equates to approximately 1.2 million women and 800,000 men being the victims of physical, emotional and sexual attacks, usually within the supposed safety of their own home. Whilst these statistics have not risen significantly from previous years, the scale of the recently published figures is alarming nonetheless.
Organisations such as Refuge, commenting on the recent figures, recognise that such abuse can include psychological, sexual or emotional abuse. It also includes threats to carry out such abuse.
Should an immediate issue arise causing a threat to health, safety or well-being, it is important to remember that the police are there to assist, often with a specialist domestic incidents unit, who can offer practical advice and support. However, police intervention may not offer an appropriate, longer term solution and assistance from the court may be required. Here at Pannone we understand the sensitivity of dealing with such issues and as leaders in the field we are well placed to provide expert legal advice.
We are a team of specialist family law solicitors in Manchester. For more advice about domestic abuse please read our family law blog or follow us on Twitter @Divorce_experts.