Family law lawyer, Gemma Sparks, looks at family court proceedings for victims of domestic abuse in Exeter.
Slee Blackwell have been independently ranked as the top family law solicitors in Exeter by the legal review website Review Solicitors*. Contact us for a free initial consultation about domestic abuse by calling our confidential helpline on 0333 888 0404 or emailing us at [email protected].
Being a victim of domestic abuse can have profound and lasting impact upon our physical, emotional, psychological, and social well-being. The effects can be immediate or long lasting, often influencing other areas of life, such as relationships, and mental health.
Physical violence can lead to bruises, broken bones or even more severe injuries. In some instances, this could result in long term disability; and in extreme circumstances, death.
Some victims of domestic abuse, especially women, suffer sexual assault. This can lead to unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases, and other reproductive health concerns.
Feelings of depression, sadness, hopelessness, helplessness, anxiety, and panic attacks are all common emotional responses that any person could experience.
Children who witness domestic abuse may suffer emotional distress and behavioural issues themselves, which can have a knock-on effect in other areas of their life such as their performance at school and forming relationships with others.
The right of domestic abuse survivors to speak out
Domestic abuse survivors who are able to escape from their abuser, can experience empowerment, finding their own voice, reclaiming their autonomy and even becoming advocates for others facing a similar ordeal.
A domestic abuse victim’s right to speak out about their experiences was highlighted in a recent case involving a man who abused both his partner and his child. During the court proceedings the anonymity of both victims was preserved and the court ruled that the father’s Parental Responsibility over the child should be revoked. While family court proceedings are private and confidential, and parties are not permitted to disclose any details of a judgment, on this occasion the mother felt let down by the Family Justice system. She therefore appealed to the High Court, and was given permission to speak about the case and her ordeal publicly. The mother’s rights under Articles 10 and 8 of the European Convention of Human Rights were adjudged to be particularly weighty. The Judge therefore felt that the victim should be free to tell her story, and could be trusted to exercise her Parental Responsibility to uphold and protect the child’s rights and interests.Â
How our lawyers can help you with domestic abuse in Exeter
Contact specialist family lawyer, Gemma Sparks, for a free consultation. Call her in total confidence on 0333 888 0404 or email us at [email protected].
