Domestic Violence Awareness Month - October 2023

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence can have far reaching consequences not only to victims but also to children who may either witness, hear or grow up in a household where domestic violence takes place. The effects can be felt for months or years to come, impacting future relationships and mental health.  

We know that conflict is extremely damaging for children to witness, thus it is crucial when a relationship breaks down that sound legal advice is taken to help you understand how you can help your children.

Domestic violence is a broad term and covers a wide range of behaviours. Therefore, raising awareness is critical to understanding if you are a victim of domestic violence. Many people do not realise the abuse they are suffering warrants the term domestic violence.

Please see non-exhaustive list of domestic violence below:

• Physical abuse;
• Emotional abuse;
• Humiliation
• Criticising 
• Threatening you
• Accusing you
• Name calling 
• Belittling 
• Financial abuse;
• Gaslighting - causing you to question your own sanity, memories or perception of reality;
• Coercion - pressure, intimidation, threat or force used to persuade someone to act in an involuntary manner;
• Controlling behaviour - pattern of behaviour of dominance and control. 

If you are suffering domestic abuse, it’s important to seek help. Some of your options for support are detailed within the NHS link here.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) also provides support for children exposed to domestic violence.

The law recognises that children can also be victims. Exposure to domestic violence can have a significant impact on a child’s development, health and wellbeing.

Stone King LLP has a team of specialist family lawyers with many years of experience where children have been exposed to domestic violence. It’s usual for the victim parent to seek legal advice in applying for Court Orders, to include Child Arrangement Orders and Prohibited Steps Orders.

Our mediators are also able to work with you as parents and in some circumstances meet with your children for child inclusive mediation. Our focus is on finding solutions through discussion and negotiation but, where a more formal approach is required, we are able to guide and assist through Family Court proceedings whilst keeping the needs of the child in the forefront of everyone’s mind.

Please call 01225 337 599 if you require any assistance with applying for a Court Order in relation to the protection of your child.