Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week

This week marks Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week. As well as being a deeply traumatic experience with a devastating impact, suffering abuse can also cause a series of legal issues, especially when it takes place in the home. Our team of advisors and caseworkers can stand alongside people at this vulnerable time and offer help and advice in a number of areas. Please remember if you or someone you know is in immediate danger, you should phone 999.

Family and relationships

If you can’t afford to pay for a solicitor, we can offer 20 minutes’ free initial advice through our legal advice clinics. You will be assisted by a volunteer lawyer who can advise on issues surrounding domestic violence, including divorce and separation, child access rights and issues with informal child or maintenance support, not related to child support agencies. You can complete our contact form here.

Debt and money

If you’ve had to flee abuse, you may no longer be able to afford to pay your bills, or an abuser may have taken out debts in your name or have been controlling you financially. Our team can help you find a way through.

Housing

If you are suffering domestic abuse or are at risk of such abuse in your home, the law is there to protect you and you may be eligible for emergency rehousing. This is a complex area of law and we would advise anyone who feels they are unable to stay in their home due to domestic abuse to seek professional legal advice. You can contact our team of housing solicitors and caseworkers here if you need advice on obtaining rehousing.