ALIVE! NATIONWIDE

We are committed to empowering individuals experiencing domestic abuse by providing legal assistance and support. With a focus on accessibility, compassion, and empowerment, we work tirelessly to bridge the gap between individuals and the justice system. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, ALIVE! Nationwide is here to help.

Overview of Domestic Abuse in the UK

Domestic Abuse (Domestic Violence) is a huge problem, often overlooked. It affects all sectors of society regardless of wealth, race, religion, gender or sexual orientation. The last Home Office statics confirm that 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men will experience Domestic Abuse at some point in their lifetime.

The Metropolitan Police alone, receive an emergency 999 call for Domestic Abuse every one minute. Domestic Abuse costs the UK £16 billion in public funding.

Understanding Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse, also known as domestic violence, refers to a pattern of behaviour used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner. It can take many forms, including:

Physical Abuse

This includes hitting, slapping, punching, or any form of violent physical contact.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

This can involve manipulation, intimidation, threats, constant criticism, and belittling, which can undermine a person’s sense of self-worth.

Verbal Abuse

This includes yelling, name-calling, and other forms of harsh or demeaning language.

Sexual Abuse

Any form of non-consensual sexual activity, coercion, or unwanted sexual advances.

Financial Abuse

Controlling a partner’s financial resources, preventing them from working, or stealing their money can all be forms of abuse.

Domestic Abuse

Can occur in any relationship, regardless of sexual orientation, and affects individuals across all demographic groups.

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How ALIVE! Nationwide Can Help

We are dedicated to providing swift and effective support for domestic abuse victims through our three-tiered service model:

Legal Aid Support

We will work with a certified Solicitor who can grant Legal Aid. Our panel of Solicitors have an ongoing agreement with us that cases will be dealt within 24 hours. We work alongside your solicitor to ensure comprehensive legal representation.

Non Public Funded Support

We partner with post-graduate law students who provide services to prepare necessary paperwork and represent individuals in court. This not only offers people essential legal support but also gives students invaluable real-world experience. A small training fee applies for this service, ensuring quality representation without the burden of high legal costs.

Swift Process Serving

We take on board the Process Serving via electronic service (as prescribed by the Crime and Victims Act of 2004). This is as simple as sending a secure electronic message of the court order to the Respondent, ensuring the process is handled quickly and efficiently.

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OUR COMMITMENT

At ALIVE! Nationwide, we are unwaveringly committed to supporting victims of domestic abuse throughout the UK. We recognise the profound impact that domestic abuse has on individuals, families, and communities, and we strive to provide comprehensive, accessible, and compassionate services to those in need.

Legal Remedies for Victims

While police intervention can lead to arrests and criminal charges, many victims hesitate to pursue these options due to fear of further abuse or emotional attachment to the abuser.

Alternative legal remedies exist under the Family Law Act 1996, which allows victims to apply for civil court orders, such as:

● Non-Molestation Orders: These prevent abusers from using or threatening violence.

● Occupation Orders: These can exclude an abuser from the family home, regardless of ownership.

These orders have a lower burden of proof than criminal cases, making them a vital option for victims seeking protection.

The Challenge of Accessing Legal Support

There is a real lack of Family Law Solicitors nationally that have a Legal Aid certificate. Even if they are publicly funded, they are so busy that it can take days, even weeks to be seen and go into Court. Obviously, whilst living with an abusive partner, this is way too long for anyone to wait.

Where an individual is ineligible for public funding (for example where they are working or own their own property), there are very few options for getting legal advice and in particular Court Representation. This, in most cases, leaves people with no protection.

The Court Order needs to be personally served on the abuser to take effect. It is possible to use the Court Baliff, but in this case it can take days or weeks to be served.

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If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, ALIVE! Nationwide is here to help. Together, we can take decisive action against domestic abuse and support victims on their journey to safety and healing.

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Email Address

legal@alivenatiowide.org

Phone Number

03333 200433

Location

Based in Taunton, UK