At the start of the world cup, warnings have been issued about the imminent increase in domestic abuse during major football tournaments, the last one being Euro 2016. The academic research from Lancaster University has prompted a campaign by White Ribbon UK to mobilise men to send out a clear Read more…
Whilst there is much debate in the media about who is to blame for the recent spate of football violence during Euro 2016, at home the warnings are that domestic abuse incidents are likely to rise during the tournament. Research shows that excessive alcohol consumption coupled with the heightened tensions Read more…
When former Eastenders actress, Sian Blake and her two children were discovered murdered in their home, the issue of domestic abuse was thrust back into our conscious. This case garnered media interest because of the celebrity connection, but the harsh reality is two victims of domestic abuse are murdered by Read more…
In April 2013 there were significant changes to the legal aid funding system. This meant that in all applications after this date, legal aid would not be available to fund family court proceedings unless the person applying for funding was the victim of domestic violence. This means that around 75% Read more…
On 8th July 2015 the Government announced that it is removing a technicality which meant some victims of domestic abuse were losing their Legal Aid part way through a case. As a result of cuts brought in by the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (LASPO) on 1st Read more…
On 22nd January 2015 the High Court ruled in favour of the Government in a judicial review of the rules on legal aid entitlement for victims of domestic abuse. The challenge focussed on whether the evidence of domestic violence required to obtain legal aid in family cases is so inflexible Read more…
The animal charity Blue Cross has introduced the world’s first ‘Pet Nuptial Agreement’ to deal with how pets are treated on divorce and separation. The law views pets as chattels i.e. possessions, rather than considering their welfare as the primary consideration. There is limited case law on the treatment of Read more…
As family solicitors we deal with victims of domestic abuse in our day to day work. The remedies available in the family court to protect victims of domestic abuse fall under the civil rather than the criminal law. The most common family law injunctions are called non-molestation and occupation orders. Read more…
Under the current law perpetrators of domestic abuse have to be charged with offences which apply to the population generally (assault, harassment etc.). On 20th August the Home Secretary Theresa May announced a consultation on whether a specific crime of domestic abuse would improve police performance in this area. Although Read more…