How to leave an abusive relationship

Sadly, domestic abuse is extremely common. It can take many forms including controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence and financial control. The perpetrators can be both male and female and the impact on victims cannot be underestimated.

Recent research has suggested that the effect of the cost-of-living crisis has made life worse for those subjected to financial abuse and control. Research by Aviva has revealed that 40% of Britons have suffered from financial or economic abuse, with the majority suffering abuse from their spouse or partner. This type of abuse involved controlling what the person was able to buy, using their bank card to buy things without their knowledge, taking out loans and contracts in their name without their knowledge and even changing a will to make the abuser the main beneficiary.

Seek professional advice

If you are suffering in an abusive relationship whether it involves coercive control, threatening behaviour, financial or physical abuse, seek legal advice from a family lawyer, the Citizen’s Advice Bureau, or a domestic abuse charity, such as Women’s Aid or the ManKind Initiative. This will help you to understand the law surrounding domestic abuse and to help you plan an exit strategy.

Court orders that can provide protection

A Non-Molestation Order can be applied for, which is a type of injunction that prohibits someone (the abuser) from committing certain acts, which include harassment, threats, and assaults. An Occupation Order is another type of court order that is used to control who lives in the family home. Where the situation is serious, one party can be asked to leave.

These orders often take place in a very short time frame, so all the evidence needs to be ready to present. In these circumstances it is important to seek the advice and support of an experienced family lawyer.

There are also several protective orders that can be used by the police and courts to protect those who have suffered domestic abuse, including Domestic Violence Protection Notices and Domestic Violence Protection Orders. What’s more, the advent of No Fault divorce has now made it easier for couples to separate and without having to give a reason or appoint blame on either party. This can help to lessen the conflict and make the process of getting a divorce from an abuser slightly easier.

We are specialist family lawyers, so if you are thinking about, or struggling with the issues surrounding divorce, separation, and child contact issues, we offer a no obligation 60-minute initial consultation for £100 (incl. VAT). This will give you the opportunity to receive legal advice relevant to your personal circumstances.

To book a consultation, please call us on 01444 472700, email info@tisshawssolicitors.co.uk or complete the form below.