The Pandemic of Domestic Abuse
The third national lockdown lead to the highest recorded volume of domestic abuse attendances by police.
There were around 33 arrests every 100 calls received regarding domestic abuse during the lockdown. In this last year around 253,546 arrests were made in England and Wales for domestic abuse incidents but only 42,574 of those lead to conviction. That’s roughly 1 in 6. Added into that is the fact that most male victims of domestic abuse do not report this as a crime.
For family solicitors it is largely only as a result of children being involved that it is brought to the fore. When asked to consider how children should spend time with their parents the court looks at the suitability of a parent and child arrangements when there are allegations of domestic abuse.
The recent case of conservative MP Mr Griffith has bought this to the attention of a wider audience. A family court judge found he had pressured his then wife into sexual activity. There were also numerous allegations of physical and mental abuse. Mr Griffith resigned from his employment when two female constituents reported depraved messages from him.
This was an educated man in a position of responsibility who was found to have been an abuser. Yet he has not been convicted of any criminal offence. This demonstrates the importance of the family courts to protect victims and children. It is disappointing that it receives so little direct from the public purse to help support those victims meet legal costs incurred to protect themselves.
Our team can help you through this difficult time by providing informative and supportive advice whilst also offering some services on fixed fee arrangements or payment plans. All of this will be discussed at an initial appointment to ensure costs are clear from the outset. Please speak to a member of the team to find out more.
*This article is provided for general information purposes only and does not constitute legal or any other professional advice.