Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

New Court for Victims of Domestic Violence in Exeter

Friday, 23 June 2006 03:00

With statistics showing 1,369 domestic violence incidents reported in the last nine months of 2005 in Exeter alone, and an average of one if four women suffering abuse, we welcome the news of the establishment of a new specialist court in Exeter.

The court will operate as one of 25 pilot areas nationwide, and the announcement follows the launch of an advertising campaign in Exeter to encourage friends of victims to report offences.The purpose of the new court will be to provide effective protection and help using the law to punish offenders and support victims quickly and effectively.Domestic violence is being recognised by the courts as being important when considering contact to children. Any contact needs to be safe both for the parent who cares for the children and for children themselves.

For victims of domestic violence, there are other ways of obtaining the protection of the Family Court through obtaining injunctions to prevent assaults and harassment, and to have perpetrators removed from the family home. This is one of the few areas in which legal aid is increasingly available and which enables solicitors to act immediately.

If you would like to speak to a specialist in Domestic Violence please contact Norman Hartnell or Jill Read-Brown on 01392 421777.