I am in danger from my partner and need protection. Can I still apply for an injunction order from the court?

Posted onMarch 27, 2020

If you are in an abusive relationship and are experiencing domestic violence or abuse then the coronavirus may seem like the final straw. In this blog we look at the Covid 19 pandemic and what you can do if you are caught up in an abusive relationship.

COVID-19 update:

A message from OTS Solicitors - We have already brought online, and deployed the advanced infrastructure, processes and safeguards to allow our professionals and support teams to function fully remotely. Within our client service areas, our teams have implemented plans to ensure that our clients continue to be served without disruption. We would also like to remind our existing and new clients that we have offered a digital consultation option for several years and now in light of the Corona Virus developments we would encourage any clients seeking on-going consultations or new clients to contact our switchboard who will arrange an appointment via our online platform, skype or telephone conferencing

Online family law solicitors

In worrying times the children and family law team of specialist family law solicitors are here to help you. If you are in an abusive relationship or need help with any aspect of family law call us on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form.

OTS Solicitors are based in central London but provide a full digital online family law service and can answer your family law question with bespoke family law advice. Call us on 0203 959 9123 for a Skype, video conference or telephone appointment.

Domestic violence and coronavirus social isolation

Whilst many families across the country fear for their futures and worry about their loved ones, on a more mundane note many are concerned how they will cope in lockdown living with a husband or wife nearly twenty four hours a day. However, the situation is so much more concerning for those in an abusive relationship or who are being coerced by their partner. The position is even more troubling for those who have ‘underlying health conditions’ and have been advised not to leave their home at all.

When you are living in self-isolation or lock down it is all the harder to cope with abusive behaviour or a coercive and controlling partner. As isolation is a frequent control mechanism of an abuser, isolation may already be something that you are already used to, though perhaps not on the scale suggested by the government to protect us from Covid 19.

In addition, whilst you may be used to being isolated from friends and family, if you have school age children they may have been protected from the worst of your partner’s abusive behaviour by being able to spend time at school , with friends and carrying out sports activities . Having children at home all day can increase tensions and make things more difficult.

Remember that domestic abuse isn’t limited to physical aggression. It includes coercive control such as:

Dictating what TV programmes you can watch
Restricting your access to the internet or to your mobile phone
Not giving you any space within the house, for example following you from room to room
Controlling what you can eat or wear.

For those individuals who exert coercive control the coronavirus pandemic may bring out the worst in them because:

They feel restricted and controlled because they are not able to go to work or to socialise
They are not able to go to the gym to let off steam
They are worried about their job or finances
They are not used to having the children around during the day or are not used to the children being so boisterous because they can't play with their friends.

Help if you are in an abusive relationship

If you are in an abusive relationship there is help available whether or not you are having to self-isolate.

First and foremost if you are at risk of immediate harm or if you are worried about the safety of your children then you should call the police. Domestic violence is a crime and you are entitled to ask for help if you need it. If the police think it is necessary they can arrest or remove the abuser from your home.

If you don’t want to call the police then there are organisations who are at the end of a phone, such as the:

National Domestic Violence Helpline – 0808 2000 247
The Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
The Mix, information and support for under 25s in the UK – 0808 808 4994
National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
The Samaritans – 116 123

In addition to help from the police and domestic violence organisations there is legal advice available from domestic violence solicitors. That advice is available through phone, video conferencing or Skype.

How can a domestic violence solicitor help?

If you are in an abusive relationship then a domestic violence solicitor can help you apply for:

These types of family law injunction orders can safeguard and protect you and your family.

Non-molestation orders prevent domestic abuse whether that is physical abuse or aggression or coercive controlling behaviour. The orders can protect you and can also cover any child who lives with you.

An occupation order can be used to:

Make an abusive partner leave the family home
Prevent an abusive partner from returning to the family home
Ensure that an abusive partner is restricted to certain rooms in the home.

If you need legal advice about your options to protect yourself and your children then despite the lock down online help is at hand. In an emergency though you should contact the police for immediate help as domestic violence, in whatever form, is never acceptable, however frustrated or worried your partner might be because of the coronavirus outbreak. Furthermore, the family court has specifically said that applications for urgent injunction orders can be dealt with by remote court application without you or your domestic violence solicitor needing to physically attend court. So, if you need help, you should still reach out for legal advice.

Online family law solicitors

The children and family law team of specialist family lawyers at OTS Solicitors can answer your questions about what to do if you are in an abusive relationship or with any other aspect of family law. Call OTS Solicitors on 0203 959 9123 or complete our online enquiry form. The family law team provide a full digital online family law service so call us on 0203 959 9123 for a Skype, video conference or telephone appointment.

COVID-19 update: