Understanding Domestic Abuse | How Legal Support Can Help You Stay Safe

At Hegarty, we understand how distressing and isolating domestic abuse can be. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, it's essential to know that support is available—and you are not alone.

What Is Domestic Abuse?

According to the UK Government, domestic abuse is defined as:

“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”

Domestic abuse takes many forms, including but not limited to:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Violent or threatening behaviour
• Controlling or coercive behaviour
• Economic abuse
• Psychological, emotional or other abuse.

This behaviour can manifest in various ways, such as intimidation, coercive control, gaslighting, forced marriage, and even online or digital abuse. It’s important to understand that abuse is not always physical—controlling or manipulative behaviour can be just as damaging.

What Should You Do If You Are Experiencing Domestic Abuse?

If you’re facing domestic abuse, your safety and wellbeing are the priority. Speak to someone you trust, such as a friend or family member. You can also access support from organisations like:

• Refuge
• Safe Lives
• Women’s Aid
• Victim Support
• National Domestic Abuse Helpline

If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 999 and contact the police straight away.

How Can a Solicitor Help?

A solicitor can provide vital legal support to help protect you and your loved ones. At Hegarty, our compassionate and experienced family law solicitors can:

• Offer confidential legal advice tailored to your situation
• Send formal warning letters to the perpetrator
• Apply for a non-molestation order or injunction under the Family Law Act 1996 – which is an order from the Court that prevents the perpetrator from continuing with such behaviour
• Seek an Occupation Order, requiring the perpetrator to leave the family home

These legal protections can prevent further abuse and help you regain a sense of safety and control. Breaching a court order is a serious offence and can result in arrest, a fine of up to £5,000, or even imprisonment in more serious cases.

An alternative option is a Domestic Abuse Protection Notice (DAPN), which can only be issued by a Senior Police Officer, typically at the time of the incident. This emergency notice provides short-term protection—lasting up to 48 hours (excluding weekends and public holidays)—and may include requiring the alleged perpetrator to leave the family home during that period.

While it does not replace longer-term legal measures, a DAPN offers a vital window of safety. After this period, the police must apply to the court for a Domestic Abuse Protection Order (DAPO) if ongoing protection is needed. For some individuals, this route can offer an alternative to taking immediate legal action through solicitors.

Contact our team

If you are looking for legal advice on domestic abuse, please get in touch with our dedicated Family Law team at Hegarty. We are here to support you with compassion, discretion, and expert legal care.

Contact us today to speak confidentially with a solicitor who understands and can help you take the next steps toward safety.