Domestic violence, harassment and emergency remedies

How should I report an incident of domestic abuse and or violence?

If it is an emergency and you fear that you are at immediate risk of harm or are in danger, then without hesitation, you should always call 999.

The police take domestic violence seriously and will be able to help and protect you or someone that you are telephoning on behalf of.

Alternatively, if the matter is not urgent then you it is a matter for you as to whether you wish to report the matter to the police and in non-emergency situations you should contact your local neighbourhood policing team upon the non-emergency number 101.

I am reluctant to telephone the police, can anyone else help?

There are other organisations who can help you deal with the issues but it is highly recommended that in all cases you do report the incident(s) to the police for a criminal investigation to be conducted.

Save for that, any one of the following organisations to may also be willing and able to provide to you help and advice about domestic abuse.

English National Domestic Violence Helpline

Telephone: 0808 2000 247

www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk

Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)

Telephone: 0800 999 5428

www.galop.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line

Telephone: 0808 801 0327

www.mensadviceline.org.uk

National Centre for Domestic Violence

Telephone: 0844 8044 999

www.ncdv.org.uk

I have an issue with a friend / neighbour – can you do anything to help?

In all cases, Prism Family Law offer free initial appointments to consider whether any applications or steps can be taken to prevent you from being further harassed, alarmed or distressed.

In certain instances, the behaviour could amount to an offence under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 and so we may assist you then in referring the matter to the police.

In other appropriate cases, we can help write to the perpetrator and try and resolve any issues amicably without court intervention however when the circumstances of the case demand that further steps be taken, we will advise you to make an application to the court for an order seeking that the perpetrator stop the harassment, alarm or distress complained of.

What can Prism Family Law do to help?

We offer emergency appointments and free initial consultations to all clients who are concerned about their immediate safety and well-being.

In certain instances, legal aid funding may be available to fund any application to the court for a protective order and at such free initial appointment we will consider your eligibility for legal aid.

Prism Family Law now have a legal aid contract with the Legal Aid Agency and so we can help you apply for legal aid representation, subject to your financial means.

Regardless of your circumstances, at Prism Family Law we will help you seek the security and benefit of a protective order if the case demands it.

Should you require immediate help with your case, without any hesitation, you should telephone Solicitor Andrew Wraith upon 07967 502 885 or alternatively if the case is not an emergency our offices upon 0191 269 6871 or email legal@prismfamilylaw.co.uk to make an appointment at your convenience.