Every life lost following domestic abuse leaves behind a family heartbroken. For too long these deaths have been treated as ‘unavoidable tragedies’, but they are not.’ – Julie Devey, Chair of Killed Women (organisation and network for
Gisele Pelicot is a name that, in certain circles, is associated with personal strength and resilience. She has recently emerged as a symbol of survival, particularly by those affected by Domestic Abuse. Her journey intersects with issues
What the 2024 Family Justice Council Guidance means for future Court cases Over recent years, the term Parental Alienation has become increasingly common, especially within Court proceedings relating to children. Allegations of alienating behaviours are often (but
Amid the current whirlwind of controversial allegations that surround Sean Combs, the backdrop to his behaviour has a prolonged history of allegations of domestic violence and abuse dating back to the 90’s. In November 2023, Cassandra Ventura
October typically welcomes the ‘spooky’ season and winter months, however it is also Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. This is recognised annually to raise awareness about domestic violence and abuse and more importantly, how to recognise it, how
A new scheme will be launched in the East and West Midlands, which will see offenders that pose a threat to their former partner and/or their children, being subject to electronic tagging. This will help protect victims
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which is widely recognised as a month to raise awareness about the issue of domestic violence in our society and what can be done to stop it. It is a problem
In March 2023, it was published that the government has plans to enforce tougher sentences on domestic abusers who kill their current or previous partners. What does this mean for those found guilty of domestic homicide? The
What is this new law? The Child Support (Enforcement) Bill was introduced by MP Siobhan Baillie and Baroness Redfern and received Royal Assent on 20th July 2023, meaning it is now law. This Act means that the
Approximately 25% of people in the Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay and Transgender community suffer from Domestic Abuse within relationships. However, it is considered that domestic abuse within these communities is underreported, as the persons are fearful that their
As of 24th April 2023, Love Bombing is now recognised by the Crown Prosecution Service as a sign of emotional abuse in the UK, but what is Love Bombing and what are the signs? Love Bombing is
For some people, the World Cup is nothing more than a passion for football. For others, it can ignite a fear of abuse from a partner with pre-existing patterns of this behaviour, causing anxieties and worry. Research
Perpetrators of domestic violence could be made to sign a register if Labour wins power, the party has announced. Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed has said that perpetrators of domestic violence would be monitored in the same
For the purpose of this Article, the term ‘partner’ can include your husband, wife, civil partner and unmarried partner or those who are living together (co-habiting). Domestic abuse/violence is widely defined by the Government as ‘any incident
Angel Lynn was in an abusive relationship with Chay Bowskill. On 17th September 2020, Angel was kidnapped by Bowskill. Bowskill was captured on CCTV chasing Angel down a street following an argument. He was seen to grab
Coercive Control is a form of abuse, as set out in Section 1 of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021. Controlling behaviour is defined as a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependant by
Thursday 25th November 2021 marks the launch of the UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign, consisting of 16 days of activism across the UN and concluding on 10th December, which will be International Human Rights Day.
Deciding to start divorce proceedings can be a very overwhelming experience and you can often not know where to start. The following article explores the different steps involved in the divorce procedure and provides assistance on the
There is currently a six-month time limit for a charge to be brought against someone for common assault. The BBC recently revealed that 13,000 cases in England and Wales have been dropped in the last 5 years,
Generally, when an application is made to the Court a Court fee is required. As of 30th September 2021, the HMCTS have raised their Court fees in respect of Family matters. Therefore, the Court fees are now:
It’s not coming home and I wish you weren’t either. Euros 2020. The highlight of year. Gareth Southgate leading our boys in white to the final. 120 minutes of white-knuckle entertainment, to see Italy win at the
The decision as to whether to order the vaccination of a child has been an issue for the Courts for many years before the existence of the Covid-19 virus. Now that the roll-out of the vaccines for the
Following agreement by both the House of Commons and the House of Lords on its text, the Domestic Abuse Bill received Royal Assent on 29th April 2021, meaning that it is now an Act of Parliament and
It is common that when a relationship breaks down, conversations need to be had about the arrangements for the children to be able to spend time with both parents. It is always best if parents can reach
It has long been an issue that if a person has equity in a property over and above £8,000 (after all disregards are taken into consideration) then they will be refused Legal Aid on the basis of
Since the third lockdown came into force reports of domestic abuse have continued to rise nationally, with many victims of domestic abuse being forced to isolate with their abuser. As a result they are experiencing increased difficulty
Legal Aid is the provision of financial assistance to people who are unable to afford legal representation and access to the court system. Legal Aid is payment from public funds, and only provided in cases of need.
The Local Authority have concerns about drug use and excessive use of alcohol around my children – what should I do? Worried family members, professionals or members of the public may notify the Local Authority of concerns
During the first lockdown due to Covid-19 in March 2020, there was an alarming rise of 20% of accidental injuries in children under 12 months old. According to Ofsted, these children were either seriously injured or killed
Many parents experience problems securing contact with their children following the breakdown of a relationship. Are you one of them? If so, this article may help. In accordance with the Children Act 1989, as long as it
It goes without saying that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant impact in virtually every aspect of our lives. Arguably, one of the most significant changes for us at Johnson Astills, and for our clients, is
The simple answer is yes. Your information can be disclosed and shared between proceedings governed by the 2013 protocol and good practice model. In Care Proceedings, there is a form Annex D that the Local Authority will
It was World Mental Health Day this year on the 10 October. The Mental Health Foundation suggests that ‘Tea and Talk’ is a great way to come together in difficult times to raise awareness for mental health.
In the UK, the scale and impact of institutionalised racism has been laid bare, with young Black men stopped and searched 20,000 times in London during the coronavirus lockdown, along with Black MPs, barristers, senior police officers,
Since the Covid-19 lockdown, there has been a sharp rise in reports of domestic abuse. The head of UN Women, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, declared that violence against women and girls is a “shadow pandemic” during the wider coronavirus
