“COVID-19 and Domestic Violence – How can I seek advice during lockdown?”

“COVID-19 and Domestic Violence – How can I seek advice during lockdown?”

“covid-19 And Domestic Violence – How Can I Seek Advice During Lockdown?”

Relationships are never easy, even at the best of times, and we all experience arguments and disputes from time to time.

What can be done, however, when that behaviour crosses the line and amounts to physical abuse, psychological abuse, threatening, coercive or controlling behaviour?

Since Part IV of the Family Law Act 1996 came into force, the Courts have enjoyed the powers to make Non-Molestation Orders forbidding a party from threatening, harassing, molesting or pestering their spouse.  Under the same Act the Courts have also had the power, in very serious cases, to regulate the occupation of the family home either by excluding the abusive party from the property entirely or from a part of it.

The Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 extended the ability to make those Orders to include a wider group of individuals, such as cohabitees, and made a breach of Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders a criminal offence backed with a power of arrest.

The introduction of the Serious Crime Act 2015 recognised that serious controlling or coercive behaviour between individuals with a “personal connection” can itself amount to a criminal offence which has also resulted in serious behaviour of this sort also warranting the making of Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders.

The Courts have the power, therefore, to make Orders not only where there is an element of physical abuse but also where there is serious behaviour which seeks to coerce or control an individual such as by limiting their access to family, friends, money or even contact via social media.

Often behaviour of this sort goes hand in hand with an attempt to persuade an individual that they are imagining it through the process colloquially known as “gaslighting”.

Whilst the behaviour has to be serious before the Court will intervene it can, nonetheless, often be difficult to realise the gravity or frequency of the behaviour.

Unfortunately, the evidence points to the fact that abusive behaviour has become more frequent and prevalent during isolation and lockdown.

Data from Hubei Province in China suggested that the incidence of domestic violence during lockdown in February had trebled.  Similarly, over 25 organisations offering help to domestic violence victims in the UK have reported a significant increase in their caseload since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.  One group, in particular, stated that an analysis of their online traffic showed that visitors to its website had more than trebled in March this year compared with the same month last year.

To compound matters, many domestic abuse charities have indicated that they have been forced to reduce their services, either as a result of staff illness and self-isolation or an inability to offer face-to-face meetings, just as the pressure on their services has spiked.

It is, of course, imperative to minimise the effect of any difficulties between adults in a relationship upon children.  Allowing children to be exposed to domestic violence or abusive behaviour in the home is likely to have a long lasting detrimental effect upon their welfare and development.

The first port of call in any violent or dangerous situation should be to call the Police on 999 and to use the silent solution of 55 if it is not possible to speak.  The Police have powers to remove an individual from the home if their behaviour is sufficiently serious and to charge them with the appropriate offence where that behaviour amounts to a criminal offence.

Where the behaviour is less serious, advice should be taken from a solicitor as to whether the behaviour is sufficiently grave to warrant an application for a Non-Molestation or Occupation Order.  It will help the solicitor if you have been able to put together a detailed record of the behaviour, of specific incidents and other evidence of the behaviour such as e-mails, texts or WhatsApp messages.

Alternatively, there are many organisations who offer help and support and from whom information can be obtained online during isolation and lockdown. The Women’s Aid website has some helpful information on how to cover your tracks online after accessing that information.  These are some of the agencies that can assist:

nationaldahelpline.org.uk or 0808 2000 247;

mensadviceline.org.uk or 0808 801 0327;

womensaid.org.uk;

mankind.org.uk or 01823 334244;

galop.org.uk/domesticabuse/ or 0800 999 5428;

karmanirvana.org.uk or 0800 599 9247.

Neil Graham, a Partner at Grayfords says: “Violence and abusive behaviour should have no place in relationships and preventing children from being subjected to such behaviour is an absolute priority.  At Grayfords we regularly advise individuals upon the possibility of and processes involved in obtaining Non-Molestation and Occupation Orders.  We can offer initial consultations via telephone, Skype or Zoom, or initial contact can be made with us via e-mail or via our live chat facility at www.grayfords.co.uk”.

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Regular Catch-up Strategies


At Grayfords, we understand the importance of developing effective strategies to achieve the desired outcomes for our clients in family law and private client law matters. That's why we prioritise regular catch-up strategies to ensure that your case is handled efficiently and aligned with your goals. 

As experienced family and private client lawyers, and strategy experts, we recognise that every case is unique and requires a tailored approach. Through regular catch-up sessions, we engage in open and collaborative discussions with our clients to gain a thorough understanding of their objectives, concerns, and preferences. These ‘catch-ups’ allow us to assess the progress of your case, identify any evolving needs or challenges, and adjust our strategies accordingly. We are also then able to put in place any personal support our clients may need should they wish to avail themselves of our coaching and therapy & mental health services at any point during their legal matter.

By maintaining regular communication, we can provide you with updates on the status of your case, share important information, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This proactive approach ensures that you are actively involved in the decision-making process and empowers you to make informed choices throughout the legal proceedings. 

Our aim is to ensure that your case is being handled in the most efficient and effective way possible. Through our regular catch-up strategies, we can evaluate the success of our current strategies, make necessary adjustments, and optimise our approach to maximise the chances of achieving a favourable outcome for you. 

At Grayfords, we value your input and understand that your goals are essential to the success of your case. Our commitment to regular catch-up strategies reflects our dedication to providing personalised and client-centered legal services. By working together, we can create a strong partnership and develop strategies that align with your vision and aspirations. 

Strategic Partnerships​


At Grayfords, we believe in the power of strategic partnerships to enhance the quality and efficiency of our legal services. We understand that legal matters often require expertise in various specialised areas, and that's why we have established strong relationships with trusted and renowned specialists in both family law, private client law, and therapy and mental health support.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to provide a streamlined and comprehensive legal service to our clients. When your case requires consultation or assistance in specific areas of the law, we have the resources and connections to quickly and efficiently engage the right experts. 

Whether it's a complex family law issue or a multifaceted private client law matter, our network of trusted specialists allows us to draw upon their knowledge and experience to provide the best possible advice and representation for our clients. These partnerships ensure that we can offer comprehensive solutions that address all aspects of your case, providing you with a holistic approach to your legal (and personal) needs. 

By collaborating with specialists in various legal fields, we can navigate intricate legal challenges more effectively, saving you time, effort, and potential complications. Our commitment to strategic partnerships means that we stay informed about the latest developments in family law and private client law, ensuring that our advice and strategies are up-to-date and relevant. 

At Grayfords, we value the importance of offering a well-rounded legal service to our clients. Our strategic partnerships enable us to tap into a wealth of expertise and resources, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of our services. You can trust that we have the necessary connections to consult with specialists whenever needed, ensuring that every aspect of your case is addressed with proficiency and efficiency while also supporting you on a personal level as needed.

Time for you


At Grayfords, we understand the value of time, and we prioritise our clients by ensuring that they receive the attention and support they need throughout their legal journey. Unlike other family law and firms, we never claim to be too busy for our clients. We believe that effective communication is essential, and our team is always accessible and responsive to your needs.

Whether you have a question, or concern, or need an update on your case, our dedicated team of family law and private client law experts will be readily available to assist you. We go the extra mile to ensure that you can reach us conveniently and promptly. You can count on us to answer your calls or reply to your messages on platforms like WhatsApp, enabling efficient and effective communication.

Our commitment to internal collaboration and dynamism ensures that there is always someone available to address your family law or private client law case. We understand that legal matters can be time-sensitive, and we strive to provide timely and accurate advice. You can rely on our team's collective knowledge and expertise to guide you through the complexities of family law and private client law.

At Grayfords, we recognise that your time is valuable, and we respect that by being responsive, accessible, and dedicated to your case. We prioritise open and transparent communication, keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. You can trust that we will dedicate the necessary time and attention to your legal matters, ensuring that you feel supported and well taken care of.

Specialised Service


At Grayfords, we offer a specialised range of services across both family law and private client law, tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. With a focus on honesty, empathy, and pragmatism, we provide reliable legal advice that is designed to help our clients achieve success in their legal matters. 

In the realm of family law, we understand the emotional challenges that can arise during sensitive family disputes. Our team of experienced family law solicitors provides compassionate support and guidance throughout the process. Whether you are going through a divorce, child custody battle, or dealing with complex property division, we have the expertise to navigate these intricate matters while prioritising your best interests. 

In the field of private client law, we recognise the complexities and demands that business owners and HNWIs face in today's dynamic marketplace. Our private client law services encompass a wide range of areas including wealth planning, asset management, trusts, wills, probate, and lasting powers of attorney. We aim to be your trusted legal partner, offering strategic advice and solutions that align with your commercial objectives as you navigate your family matter. 

At Grayfords, we believe in fostering long-term exceptional working relationships with our clients. Our dedicated team goes above and beyond to understand your unique circumstances and provide tailored legal solutions that anticipate your individual needs. We pride ourselves on delivering an outstanding personal service level, ensuring that you feel supported and informed throughout your legal journey.  

Our ultimate goal is to alleviate the pressure and stress often associated with legal matters. We are committed to guiding you through the complexities of family law and private client law, allowing you to focus on what matters most to you. Trust Grayfords to provide you with the specialised legal services you deserve, backed by our expertise, integrity, and dedication to your success.