Feature
Suzanne Todd
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Partner, Head of Family & Trust, Estate and Inheritance teams, Regional Divisional Leader Dispute Resolution (Europe) – Withersworldwide
The court's response The family court has made changes to its procedure and guidance to ensure that those alleging abuse are properly protected within the court system. On 25 June 2020, the Family Court announced an overhaul of the court process to provide a better service in domestic abuse cases: separate building entrances and waiting rooms and protective screens to shield those alleging abuse; prevention measures to stop partners from bringing repeated cases as a way of continuing domestic abuse; and piloting family and criminal matters in parallel to provide greater consistencies. These measures indicate a better understanding of the intrinsic difficulties in court proceedings for those who have been controlled or abused by the other party.
Jemma Thomas
Professional Support Lawyer, Family Department Withersworldwide
If the Domestic Abuse Bill becomes law it would protect those alleging abuse from being cross-examined by their alleged abuser. An enormously important development in allowing survivors of abuse true access to justice. The Court's response is a helpful insight into the need to provide particular measures of protection for those in abusive relationships. But what measures are appropriate in the work place? What can you do? Raising awareness that domestic abuse affects people regardless of status, class, income bracket or educational background helps to ensure that employers are not making assumptions as to who might need support. Abuse can take place within any relationship and men also experience domestic abuse (ONS statistics showed that in 2018 695,000 men and 1,300,000 women suffered domestic abuse in England Wales). Senior staff may need training as to what to look out for, how to conduct sensitive conversations, and their responsibilities in terms of a duty of care. Encouraging open and understanding conversations can allow people to share their concerns. Also having good signposting as to where to seek help (both in the office but also externally for example helplines) It is important to make domestic abuse a part of the conversation, to remove any stigma and encourage collective responsibility. Examples of what to look out for are: changes in behaviour; in terms of attendance and performance but also a willingness to talk openly. It is not so much bumps and bruises as a change in demeanour. Often the start of abuse involves isolation and instilling a reluctance to involve other people so it is important to tread carefully and not be judgmental. All these measures are especially important in the current environment when so many more people are working from home. Where can you get help? The government has issued guidance on the support available (here) and has launched a public awareness campaign to highlight the help available, for example 24 hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline number – 0808 2000 247 – run by Refuge, and www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk. There is much to be learned about what domestic abuse can look like; increasing education, awareness and understanding are crucial to offering the right support in the right way. ■
Cybercare C
ybercare has focused on victims of cyber abuse and intends to extend its support through its charitable structure. Interest from lawyers to prepare documentation to register with the Charity Commission, on a pro bono basis, are welcome. There are also roles available as trustee. For more information please contact Maureen@cybercare.org.uk www.cybercare.org.uk ■
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