There is never an excuse for domestic violence of any sort, and if you find yourself in the position of being on the receiving end you need to remove yourself from the situation and seek help immediately. Whilst the enormity of this can be overwhelming, there is always a way forward. A simple first step is admitting what is happening to you to another person although this in itself can feel like a daunting prospect.
Abusers will always make the victim feel like they deserve the treatment they are receiving but this is simply not the case. Although mostly associated with physical acts, domestic violence covers mental abuse, emotional manipulation, harassment, bullying, controlling behaviour and much more.
Within our Family Law team we have a team of experts specially trained to deal with victims of domestic violence and to help them move forward towards a positive solution. We can look into alternative housing arrangements, childcare, financial solutions, prosecution of the perpetrator, court arrangements, everything you need but may feel is unachievable alone. The most important element is to secure your safety and the safety of any dependents you may have. Everything after that can be done at a pace you feel comfortable with.
Depending on your circumstances, our family law experts can help with:
- obtaining a court order to force your partner to leave the family home; to stop them coming within a certain distance of where you or your family live or work or where your children go to school; or to prevent them from contacting you other than through your solicitor;
- applying to the court for your partner to be arrested if they fail to comply with the terms of any order;
- seeking financial compensation where your partner has been found guilty of harassment;
- supporting you in reporting your partner’s behaviour to the police and social services;
- introducing you to domestic violence charities and agencies who can help with housing needs, assessing entitlement to state benefits and other support; and
- bringing your relationship to an end by commencing divorce or civil partnership dissolution proceedings, negotiating the division of assets and other financial matters, and agreeing arrangements for children.
Advising families throughout Kent and beyond
We have offices in Tonbridge, Maidstone, Gravesend, Chatham and Tenterden where we can meet you to discuss your requirements.
We can also offer meetings by skype or via home visit where appropriate.
Get in touch with our domestic violence solicitors in Tonbridge, Kent
Call us on 01732 353305. Alternatively, please complete our Contact Us form and we will be in touch as soon as possible. If contact is only possible at certain times or through specific channels of communication please let us know and we will act accordingly.