Domestic abuse

Michelmores Family Law Service recognises that the decision to take action against domestic abuse can be a difficult one. We also know that understanding your legal rights is an important step towards protecting yourself and your family.

We work closely with a variety of other services including the Police, Women's Aid and Outreach Services.

We offer a free drop-in monthly legal surgery in Newton Abbot through the Domestic Violence and Abuse Service for South and West Devon and also in Exeter via Stop Abuse For Everyone. For further information please contact Natalie Guppy on 0800 923 0400.

What steps should you take if you are experiencing
domestic violence?

In an emergency, telephone the police (999); make sure you and your children are safe. Domestic abuse is a crime and the Criminal Court has a wide range of powers to protect you.

Try to keep a record of the problems that arise (if you can), what happened, when and where it happened and any injuries suffered. It is also ideal to lodge a complaint about domestic abuse with the Police.

You may also wish to apply to the Family Court for a domestic violence Injunction to protect you and/or your children. There are two types of domestic violence Injunctions.

The first one is a non-molestation order which states that the perpetrator (or anyone acting on his behalf) is prevented from using violence, threatening violence, harassing, intimidating and pestering you.

The second type of domestic violence injunction is an occupation order which specifies who should occupy the home. Such an Order can specify that the perpetrator is to leave the property, having left, then not to return and can also exclude them from a specified area around the property.

We offer an initial free interview. During this appointment, your eligibility for public funding (Legal Aid) will be assessed. If you are eligible for public funding then legal representation is free (subject to the statutory charge). If you are ineligible, we will provide you with a realistic costs estimate and discuss payment terms with you in detail.