Domestic Abuse increases during the lockdown

6th April 2020

We have heard this weekend that the number of calls to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline have increased by 25%. The difficulties faced by victims of domestic abuse during these times cannot be underestimated. We are being told repeatedly from all sources not to go out, but if you are at risk of domestic abuse, how to you get help?

If you are at risk of domestic abuse, you must contact the police. Domestic abuse support agencies continue to work and they can be a great source of information and support. In our local Bradford District The Survive and Thrive Partnership is urging people to call them for help if they need it and their helpline number is 0808 2800999.

If you are in need of help you may also want to consider obtaining a non molestation order/occupation Order. A non molestation order is an order to protect your personal safety and the order usually prohibits someone from being violent, threatening, harassing or intimidating. An occupation order regulates whether someone can live in the family home. Protective orders can be obtained the same day in cases of real urgency.

Our office is currently not open for people to attend in person however all our lawyers are working remotely and our phones are being staffed from 9 am until 5 pm each working day. If you need advice please call the office. We can make you an urgent telephone appointment, apply for emergency legal aid (subject to eligibility) and obtain urgent protective court orders. This can all be done without you having any face to face contact and risking contracting COVID-19.

Please note that our free advice sessions continue to take place each Thursday from 5 pm to 7 pm. by telephone. Please contact our office to access this service.

Keep safe.