We are all following the ‘lockdown’ rules Boris Johnson imposed on us on 23 March 2020. Staying at home is supposed to be one of the safest places to be at present however for a number of men and women it is not. For them, it is prison of intimidation, violence and threats.
Covid-19 and the economic shut down also brings the additional finances, health and domestic pressures which can result in an increase in domestic abuse.
Victims should not feel that they are alone, unsupported and trapped. Whilst we would always advise victims to contact the Police in the first instance, our Family Team here at Nalders are able to provide assistance with applications for Non-Molestation Orders (preventing the use of violence, threats of violence, intimidation, harassment and pestering) and Occupations Orders (regulating the occupation of the family home).
Nalders solicitors have the legal aid contract which enables us to provide ‘free’ legal advice assistance to clients for help with personal protection and associated issues such as housing, children and financial issues.
Due to the problems caused by social distancing, the Legal Aid Agency have relaxed their rules regarding clients’ signatures on documents, which means that even though our office doors are closed, we can still assist clients on an applications for legal aid online or over the phone.
The local Courts are also geared up to help, without the need for attending at a Court, by enabling us to organise hearings by telephone or video conferencing.
We appreciate that one of the difficulties may be the ability to contact us for help. To assist with communication we are available on any of the office numbers during normal office hours, or you can contact Lindsey Jackson on mobile number 07884491883 during the evening and weekends.
We can sign post clients to other agencies for support, including local domestic abuse support groups, Refuges, children and mental health services, housing and benefits agencies.
Our Family Team are here to help, advise and support. You can contact Lindsey Jackson on 01736 352297 and email laj@nalders.co.uk, Manda Toms on 01872 243654 and email mbt@nalders.co.uk.