Jones Myers urges domestic abuse victims to heed government advice during coronavirus crisis

Jones Myers is urging domestic abuse victims to take on board government recommendations as the coronavirus pandemic continues to spread. 

The call comes after Home Secretary Piri Patel stressed that victims are exempt from the rules to stay at home and can go to refuges, which will remain open, for help.  

Jones Myers solicitor and collaborative family lawyer, Samantha Sinclair, says victims seeking urgent legal advice can also contact any of the firm’s offices in York, Leeds and Harrogate.  

She said: “Following reports of a rise in domestic abuse in other parts of the world following the respective lockdowns, it is vital that victims are protected. Our highly trained and sensitive family law specialists understand that domestic abuse occurs in all levels of society regardless of gender, wealth, age or race – and we’re here to help victims of violence or threatened violence.”

An estimated 1.9m people in the UK – both men and women – suffer some type of domestic abuse every year. More than 100,000 people are at high risk of being harmed and seven women a month in England and Wales die at the hands of a current or former partner.

Following a change in the law in 2015, psychological abuse and controlling and coercive behaviour are now also recognised as domestic abuse.

Among the organisations working tirelessly to help victims is IDAS – Yorkshire’s largest specialist charity – with whom Jones Myers has partnered to raise awareness and boost fundraising.

Added Samantha: “The effects of domestic violence on victims include anger, shame, fear, isolation, resentment, psychological problems, self-harm and feelings of powerlessness. Many also fear their children could also become targets of abuse.

“Frequently, victims’ self-esteem is eroded and they may blame themselves for what is happening to them. In many cases, they cut themselves off from family and friends to hide any visible injuries or because they are ashamed to seek support and advice.”

Jones Myers confidential consultations discuss all the options available – including court applications for an injunction – to protect victims and any children and/or orders barring abusers from the family home.

The protection the court offers is available to married, divorced, cohabiting and former cohabiting couples – as well as those in civil partnerships.

To contact Samantha or domestic abuse specialists Anthony Parrish or Jane Bolton in the strictest confidence, call us at Leeds on 0113 246 0055, Harrogate on 01423 276104, or York on 01904 202550. Visit jm2023.jonesmyers.co.uk, email info@jonesmyers.co.uk or tweet us @helpwithdivorce

For more information on IDAS visit https://www.idas.org.uk/