Our specialist lawyers have experience in of all types of domestic abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, coercive and controlling behaviour, harassment and honour-based.
We understand that leaving an abusive relationship can be an incredibly daunting and frightening experience. We work closely with domestic abuse services to offer our expertise to those in need.
Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of their age, gender or background, and includes violence, coercive and controlling behaviour, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, stalking, harassment and online/digital abuse.
No matter your situation, we can provide a safe environment where you can voice your concerns without fear or judgement. We can advise you on how to reach a place of safety and what court orders can be sought to protect you. This could be, for example, a Non-Molestation Order to stop your ex-partner from contacting you or an Occupation Order to exclude your ex-partner from your home.
We can also support you through your separation by advising you how domestic abuse can impact Child Arrangements and Financial Arrangements. We work to ensure that victim-survivors have access to the necessary resources, support and justice.
We understand how difficult it is to seek help whilst living with an abusive partner. Your safety is our priority. You can contact us using our confidential email address:
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Domestic abuse can affect anyone. Abuse is not always physical, and it can often be difficult to recognise when you are experiencing it. You may be experiencing abuse if the other person is engaging in behaviour such as harassment, intimidation, unwanted contact, stalking or attempts to coerce and control you. These behaviours can have a significant impact on your wellbeing, sense of safety, and ability to make decisions freely.
You should contact the police if you are in immediate danger by calling 999. If the police go on to investigate a criminal offence, they may put bail conditions in place to stop the abuser contacting you and coming near you. The Family Court can make a Non-Molestation Order to protect you, and any children if necessary, from unwanted contact, violence and harassment. The Family Court can also make an Occupation Order preventing the abuser from coming to your home.
In accordance with the Family Law Act 1996, a Non-Molestation Order can be made against an ‘associated person’, meaning they must be a current/former partner, someone you have been intimate with, or a relative. This does not cover friends or neighbours, in which case you would need to make an application to the Civil Court under the Protection of Harassment Act 1997.
Yes. Domestic abuse does not always stop when a relationship comes to an end. Abusers can continue their pattern of behaviour to try and cause distress and keep control, for example, over child and financial arrangements. In some cases, they may abuse the court system to cause harm, for example, by dragging out proceedings, making false allegations and malicious applications. This is known as ‘post-separation’ abuse.
If your abuser has a legal right to occupy the property (e.g. they are named on the Land Registry deeds or Tenancy Agreement), you can apply to the court for an Occupation Order, which will control who is allowed to live in or enter the family home. If your abuser does not have a legal right to be at the property, you can simply ask them to leave if it is safe to do so, call the police or apply to the court for a Non-Molestation Order.
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Julie Gordon
7 months agoExceptional service for all the team, especially Liz. No hidden surprises, clear and precise information and I was guided the whole way through my divorce. I felt supported and listened to. Highly recommend.Posted on Google
Liz Cockram
5 months agoI highly recommend Hannah Adams and the team at Shentons. They were all incredibly kind, patient and really listened to the details of our particular situation. We were seen quickly, which was very important for us due to EHCP Tribunal deadlines. The expertise and depth of information we recieved in meetings and reports was invaluable. It also allowed me to proceed with clarity and confidence, where I had previously felt lost in the vast amount of very subject specific paperwork which had been sent to us. We followed Hannah's advice when looking for other professionals to assess our child and gain the relevant reports. We also followed up on a possible area of need she identified, resulting in a new diagnosis and subsequent support from the NHS. I am incredibly happy to say my child is enjoying his second week at our chosen school, something the LA finally agreed to after nearly a year of fighting but 5+ months before our court date. Our child is now in a setting which will support him for the next 7.5 years.Posted on Google
Edward Ramsay
7 months agoI cannot speak highly enough of Chloe jay of whom was my legal representation during what was the most serious and stressful period of my life. From the very beginning, Chloe demonstrated exceptional professionalism, intelligence, and dedication to my case. Chloe had an outstanding understanding of the law and an ability to explain complex issues clearly and honestly, which gave me confidence at every stage of the proceedings. In court, Chloe's advocacy was calm, authoritative, and compelling. Chloe was meticulous in her preparation, strategic in her approach, and fearless when it mattered most. What truly impressed me about Chloe was her commitment to justice and to me as a client. Chloe treated my case with the seriousness it deserved, listened carefully, and fought relentlessly on my behalf. I always felt supported, respected, and in safe hands. Chloe worked in my case beyond my expectations and into the early hours of the morning sometimes to ensure that I as her Client had the greatest chance success each day of trial. I am deeply grateful to Chloe and would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone facing a serious legal matter. If you need a barrister who is highly skilled, principled, and unwavering in their commitment to their client, I cannot recommend them strongly enough. Thank you Chloe and to all at Shentons who assisted in my case.Posted on Google
Jennifer Cole
6 months agoShentons helped me through a really difficult time in my life when I was locked in a legal battle with my old partner about our joint house. I am so grateful for Shentons' excellent counsel, efficiency and human touch. I did get a great outcome in the end which has meant I can be free and financially secure again.Posted on Google
Abi Alsford
4 months agoRachael, Alex and the team were amazing during my custody case. They were reassuring, helpful and professional every step of the way. I can’t thank them enoughPosted on Google
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Hannah Adams Head of Special Educational Needs
Chloe Jay Senior Partner
Elisabeth Pollard Partner
Elizabeth Cookson Solicitor
Rachael Cole Partner
