As Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week continues, running from 1st February to 7th February 2021, it is highly important to continue to spread the message #ITSNOTOK.

Domestic abuse victims will be able to “Ask for Ani” in pharmacies, as part of a code word scheme backed by the Government and Safeguarding Minister Victoria Atkins.

On 5th January 2021, the Domestic Abuse Bill returned to the House of Lords for its second reading after almost three years of delays.

Employers will welcome new guidance from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD - the professional body for HR and people development) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission, which aims to help them deal with employees suffering domestic abuse.

​Former professional rugby league player, Jamie Jones-Buchanan has spoken out against domestic abuse after losing his cousin, Bethany Fields who was stabbed to death by her ex-partner in Huddersfield last year. Bethany’s abuser, Paul Crowther has received a life sentence for the attack.

If a client cannot afford to travel to the office, perhaps due to financial control, or is unable to leave the house, perhaps because of their abuser, we are able to deal with matters over the telephone and/or email. We also work with the Local Authority and local charities to try to source funds for the client to get the help they need, whether that be funds for public transport or a place at refuge.

An Occupation Order is a Court Order that can be obtained to specify who can and cannot live in a property in order to protect victims of domestic abuse (which not only includes physical abuse but other forms such as emotional or financial abuse).

At the end of this month, ITV’s new two part factual drama ‘Honour’ is set to air. The programme shows the real-life investigation into the ‘honour’ killing of a young woman in London, Banaz Mahmod by her family in 2006.