Domestic Abuse Solicitors

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Experiencing domestic abuse can leave you feeling overwhelmed, isolated and unsure of where to turn, and taking the first step to seek support can feel daunting. Our domestic abuse solicitors understand how difficult this moment may be. We provide calm, compassionate guidance and take clear, protective action to help you regain safety and stability.

JMW’s specialist family law team has extensive experience supporting people in situations involving domestic violence, coercive control, and other forms of harm. We act swiftly and discreetly, helping you secure the protection you need through options such as non-molestation orders, occupation orders, and other legal safeguards designed to prevent further abuse. Your wellbeing, and the safety of any children involved, will always be our priority.

If you, your children, or a family member are in immediate danger, please call 999 and ask for the police immediately. If you are unable to speak, press 55 after calling 999 to use the Silent Solution and alert the operator.

For confidential, supportive advice, contact our team on 0345 872 6666, or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a call back at a time that feels safe for you. We are here to help you take the next step with reassurance and care.

How JMW Can Help

When you are living with domestic abuse, the thought of seeking legal protection can feel overwhelming. Our role is to support you through this process with sensitivity, clarity, and decisive action. JMW’s domestic abuse solicitors work carefully and discreetly, helping you understand your options and taking the legal steps needed to create immediate and lasting safety for you and your family.

Our family law team can assist people experiencing every form of abuse - including physical violence, coercive control, emotional or psychological abuse, financial abuse, and harassment. Every situation is unique, and we take the time to understand your circumstances so we can provide the most appropriate and effective support.

If you are experiencing abuse, we can guide you through applying for urgent protective orders under the Family Law Act. These include:

• Non-molestation orders, which prevent the abuser from using or threatening violence, intimidation, harassment, or any form of harmful behaviour.
• Occupation orders, which can regulate who lives in the family home and, in certain cases, exclude the abuser from the property altogether.

These orders can often be sought on an emergency basis, without the other person being notified in advance. We will assess your situation, explain the court process clearly, and prepare the application on your behalf, ensuring it reflects the seriousness and urgency of what you are facing.

Our family law team has extensive experience handling domestic violence cases, including complex situations involving children, property concerns, or ongoing control by an ex-partner or family member. We have numerous solicitors for domestic violence and abuse who recognise safety, privacy and reassurance as the highest priorities.

JMW has been recognised by the Legal 500, Chambers & Partners, and the Spear’s 500 for our specialist work in family law, with offices in Manchester, Liverpool and London, and clients across the UK and overseas. Families trust us because we act with care, professionalism and determination. Our focus is on protecting you, securing your safety, and helping you move forward with confidence.

Meet Our Team

Our family law team offers clear, compassionate support from experienced domestic abuse solicitors who are committed to protecting your safety and guiding you through the legal process with care.

How Do I Recognise Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse can take many forms, and it is not always obvious when it begins. It may happen gradually, or it may escalate quickly. Abuse is never your fault, and recognising the signs is an important step toward knowing when to consult a domestic violence solicitor and get the support and protection you deserve.

Domestic abuse is any pattern of behaviour used to control, intimidate or harm you. It can be carried out by a partner, ex-partner, spouse, family member, or someone you live with. Abuse does not need to involve physical violence - many people experience other forms of control that are equally damaging.

Domestic abuse can include:

• Emotional or psychological abuse: This may involve belittling comments, intimidation, isolating you from friends or family, threats, or behaviour designed to undermine your confidence or independence.
• Coercive or controlling behaviour: This is a pattern of ongoing control, such as monitoring your movements, restricting access to money, limiting your communication with others, or making you feel you cannot make decisions freely.
• Physical abuse: Any form of physical harm, including pushing, slapping, hitting, shaking, or restraining. Physical abuse can occur alongside other forms of control.
• Sexual abuse: This includes any sexual activity you have not freely agreed to, or being pressured, manipulated, or forced into sexual acts.
• Financial abuse: Examples include controlling your access to money, taking your income, preventing you from working, or monitoring your spending without your consent.
• Harassment or stalking: Persistent unwanted contact, following you, tracking your movements, or using technology to monitor you.

Domestic abuse often involves more than one type of behaviour. Sometimes people minimise what they are experiencing because they fear not being believed or feel unsure whether certain actions “count” as abuse. If someone’s behaviour towards you causes fear or distress, or makes you alter how you live, it is important to take it seriously.

You do not need physical injuries for the law to recognise that you are experiencing domestic abuse. Our domestic abuse solicitors can talk through your situation confidentially and help you understand your options for protection and support.

What Legal Help Is Available for Domestic Abuse?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, there are several legal options that can provide immediate and long-term protection for you and your family. Our family law team will guide you through these remedies with care, clarity, and discretion, helping you understand which steps are appropriate for your situation and acting quickly where urgent intervention is required.

Non-Molestation Orders

A non-molestation order is designed to protect you and your children from violence, threats, harassment, or any intimidating or coercive behaviour. It can prevent the abuser from contacting you directly or indirectly, coming near your home, or behaving in any way that causes harm.

Applications can often be made on an emergency basis, meaning the court can grant the order without notifying the other person first if there is an immediate risk to your safety.

Occupation Orders

If you need protection within the home, an occupation order can regulate who is allowed to live in the family property. In some situations, it can exclude the abuser from the home entirely, even if they are the legal owner.

These orders help create a safe and stable living environment and may also set out who is responsible for bills, access to the property, and temporary financial arrangements.

Restraining Orders

If the police are involved and criminal proceedings follow, the court may impose a restraining order to prevent the abuser from contacting you. Although restraining orders are part of the criminal process, we can liaise with the police and support you in understanding how these orders work alongside civil protections.

Emergency Applications

In situations where there is an urgent risk, we can prepare and file emergency applications to the family court, ensuring protective measures are in place as quickly as possible. We will explain what to expect at each stage and handle all communication with the court on your behalf.

Follow-On Legal Support

Domestic abuse often creates wider legal issues, and our family law team can support you with:

• Child arrangements, especially where safety concerns must be addressed.
• Financial matters, including safeguarding essential income and property.
• Housing rights, where you may need guidance on staying in or leaving the family home.

Our aim is to ensure you feel supported, protected, and informed throughout every step of the legal process. Whatever your circumstances, our team of solicitors specialising in domestic abuse will work with you to secure the safeguards you need to feel safe and regain control of your future.

Where Can I Seek Support for Domestic Abuse?

If you are experiencing domestic abuse, your safety is the priority. There are several organisations that can offer immediate help, emotional support, and practical guidance alongside any legal protection we can assist with.

If you or your children are in immediate danger, you should call 999. The police can intervene straight away, remove the abuser from the situation where necessary, and record important evidence that may help protect you in the future.

Alongside police protection and the legal advice offered by JMW's team of specialist solicitors for domestic abuse, there are trusted national organisations offering confidential support:

• National Domestic Abuse Helpline: This 24-hour service, run by Refuge, provides confidential advice, emotional support, and guidance on accessing safe accommodation. It is available to anyone experiencing domestic abuse.
• Women’s Aid: Women’s Aid offers a range of services, including online support, information on safety planning, access to local domestic abuse services, and specialist help for women and children. Its website also includes a secure live chat option.
• Rights of Women: Rights of Women provides free, confidential legal advice for women on family law, domestic abuse, immigration, and related issues. Their helplines and resources can help you understand your rights and options.
• Men’s Advice Line: This helpline offers confidential advice and emotional support for men experiencing domestic abuse. They can provide guidance on safety planning and accessing specialist services.

Q

What evidence do I need to prove domestic abuse?

A

Evidence can play an important role when applying for legal protection, particularly if you are seeking a non-molestation order, occupation order, or support through the police. The evidence required will depend on your circumstances, but it may include:

• Photographs of any injuries or damage to property.
• Copies of threatening or abusive texts, emails, call logs, or social media messages.
• Notes or a diary recording incidents, including dates, times, and the behaviour you experienced.
• Police reports, incident numbers, or details of any officers who attended.
• Medical records showing treatment for physical or psychological harm.
• Statements from friends, neighbours, family members, or professionals who have witnessed the behaviour or its impact.

You do not need to gather everything before speaking to a solicitor. Our domestic abuse solicitors can explain what is most appropriate for your situation, help you assess what evidence is already available, and guide you through the process of obtaining additional information safely.

Q

Can domestic abuse be verbal?

A

Domestic abuse is not limited to physical violence. Verbal, emotional and psychological abuse are all recognised forms of domestic abuse and can be just as harmful. This can include threats, intimidation, degrading comments, manipulation, and behaviour designed to frighten or control you.

Domestic abuse can also include economic abuse, where someone restricts or controls your access to money, employment, or financial independence. These behaviours are recognised in modern UK law, and protective court orders are available in cases where such behaviour is causing harm.

If you are unsure whether what you are experiencing amounts to domestic abuse, our solicitors specialising in domestic abuse can talk you through your situation sensitively and confidentially.

Q

What is coercive control?

A

Coercive control - legally known as controlling or coercive behaviour - is a sustained pattern of abusive conduct that causes a person to feel frightened, isolated, dependent or controlled. It may not involve physical violence, but it can have deep and lasting emotional and psychological effects.

Examples include:

• Making you feel worthless, fearful or dependent.
• Monitoring where you go, who you speak to, or how you spend money.
• Isolating you from friends, family or medical support.
• Controlling your access to finances or essential resources.

Coercive control has been a criminal offence since 2015, and it is highly relevant in family law, especially when applying for a non-molestation order, occupation order, or seeking protective arrangements for children.

Q

Do I have to pay for a domestic abuse solicitor?

A

You may be eligible for legal aid to help cover the cost of legal advice and representation in domestic abuse cases. Legal aid is available if you can provide evidence of the abuse and meet the required financial criteria. This can reduce or, in some situations, remove the cost of obtaining urgent protection from the court.

Whilst JMW does not undertake family law work on a legal aid basis, our domestic abuse solicitors are committed to ensuring you can access the support you need. If legal aid is likely to apply in your situation, we can refer you to trusted firms that offer this form of public funding and who will be able to help you take the next steps safely and confidently.

Q

Is there anything I can do to keep my ex away from my home if they are threatening me?

A

If your ex-partner is threatening you, behaving aggressively, or making you feel unsafe, there are legal steps that can help protect you and your home. Our domestic abuse solicitors can advise you on whether to apply for an occupation order, which can restrict or completely prevent your ex from entering or approaching the property. In urgent cases, these orders can often be sought on an emergency basis, without notifying the other person beforehand if there is a risk of harm.

You may also be able to apply for a non-molestation order, which can prohibit threatening behaviour, harassment, intimidation, or any form of domestic violence. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence and the police can arrest the abuser if the order is violated.

Every situation is different, and you do not need to decide anything before speaking with a solicitor. We can assess your circumstances sensitively, explain the options that offer the strongest protection, and help you take the steps that feel right for you.

Q

What is an undertaking?

A

An undertaking is a formal promise given to the court. It carries serious weight - if the person who gives the undertaking breaks that promise, they can be fined or imprisoned for contempt of court.

In domestic abuse cases, undertakings are sometimes offered by the person against whom a non-molestation order or occupation order is being sought. By offering an undertaking, they agree to certain conditions - for example, not contacting you or staying away from your home - without the need for a full court order to be made.

The court will only accept an undertaking where it believes it is safe and appropriate, and where there is no allegation of violence that requires the protection of a formal injunction.

Q

How long does it take to get a non-molestation order?

A

A non-molestation order can be granted very quickly if there is an urgent need for protection. In high-risk situations, the court can make an order on the same day the application is filed. These urgent applications can be made without notice, meaning the abuser is not informed beforehand if doing so would place you or a child at greater risk.

When considering a without-notice application, the court will assess factors such as:

• The risk of significant harm to you or a child.
• Whether waiting would deter you from seeking help.
• Any likelihood of the abuser attempting to avoid being served.

After a without-notice order is granted, a follow-up hearing (the return date) will be listed so the other person can respond. If they dispute the order and it cannot be resolved safely through agreement, the court will list a further hearing where evidence can be heard. This process may take several months, but a protective order usually remains in place during this time.

If the application is made on notice, the court will generally aim to deal with it within a few weeks, though timescales depend on the seriousness of the case and the workload of the local family court.

Q

How long does it take to get an occupation order?

A

Occupation orders can also be made with or without notice, but the court is more cautious because excluding someone from their home can have serious consequences.

Occupation orders can:

• Require someone to leave the home.
• Regulate who can live in certain parts of the property.
• Allow someone who has been unlawfully excluded to return.

If the court agrees that your circumstances are urgent and you meet the required criteria, a without-notice occupation order may be granted on the day of the application. However, these orders are rare, and the court will usually want to hear both sides before deciding, unless the facts are extreme or there are critical welfare concerns.

More commonly, the application will be made on notice, meaning the other person receives the paperwork and is invited to a hearing. This process usually takes a few weeks, depending on the urgency of the situation and the availability of the local court.