Hartnell Chanot: Divorce/Family Law Solicitors Exeter, Devon

World Cup - Victims of Domestic Abuse fear victory

Thursday, 29 June 2006 02:00

With World Cup fever growing as England head towards the quarterfinal on Saturday, many women suffering domestic violence will spend the day in fear.

Research shows that following national sport victories, admissions and treatments to casualty increase significantly.

Domestic violence kills more 19-44 year old women than any other cause, including cancer and traffic accidents; and police forces across the country including Devon and Cornwall Police are providing extra staff to combat domestic violence during the World Cup, as well as supporting a media campaign to urge friends of victims to report offences.

There is no need for anyone to tolerate domestic violence any more. The law is there to provide protection, and help is available to support victims of domestic abuse. This is one of the few areas in which public funding (legal aid) is increasingly available and which enables victims and solicitors to act immediately.

With 90% of incidents happening when children are in the same or next room, it is being increasingly recognised how much children are seriously affected by even being in earshot in the same house when violence is taking place; and domestic violence is recognized by the courts as being crucial when considering contact to children. Any contact needs to be safe both for the parent who cares for the children and for children themselves.

Anyone who is the victim of domestic violence can quickly obtain protection in the form of an injunction, and in appropriate cases an order forcing the abusive partner to leave the family home. Urgent action can be taken, and assistance can be obtained by contacting a local solicitor to find out about legal aid and the rights of victims for protection, as well as visiting the website of women's aid, namely www.womensaid.org.uk

For further information or to receive emergency legal advice please call 01392 421777