From Despair to Repair...?

Analysis - Legal Services

The majority of the participants (70%) reported the abuse to the police. Usually the victim reported the abuse, others that reported it included relatives, neighbours, friend, school and Accident and Emergency Departments.

The times the incidents were reported to the police varied considerably although in the majority of cases the police were contacted more than once.

The police responded to the calls in a variety of ways both positively and negatively. Some found the officers very helpful and supportive. Others felt the police were slow to respond and were unsupportive. It seems that when the incident was of a very serious nature the police response was quick and appropriate. When the incident was not classed as a priority the victim felt that the police should have done more to assist such as removing the perpetrator from the property.

The majority of participants wanted the police to arrest the perpetrator and remove them from the property others felt safer when the police had attended. 40% of participants were however, happy with the way the police dealt with the case.

53% of participants said they would have liked the police to prosecute, 29% of cases did lead to a prosecution and attendance at court.

Those that weren't satisfied with the response indicated why:

• Inadequate response
• Felt they were not taken seriously
• Would have preferred a female police officer
• The officers made me feel stupid
• Charges were dropped
• The police wouldn't prosecute

As mentioned before 71% of the perpetrators have been violent to others. Usually this was violence against ex partners and family. Other perpetrators had been involved in criminal damage, theft, burglary, disturbing the peace, drink driving, car offences, none payment of fines and drug offences.

Did you contact a solicitor?

60% of the participants had contacted a solicitor. In the main participants found contacting a solicitor very easy usually through the refuge or other family members had recommended them. A few found it difficult to find a suitable solicitor. 60% of participants received legal aid.

The reasons for needing a solicitor included:

• Re-housing
• Get possessions back
• To obtain a Legal Separation or Divorce
• Property settlement
• To sort out finances
• Warning letter
• To obtain a Restraining Order
• To get my name on the mortgage
• To obtain an Injunction
• For a Non Molestation Order
• For custody of the children

What was the outcome of proceedings?

• Injunction and 28 day suspended sentence
• Still ongoing
• Injunction
• Served with order
• Ownership of the house and endowment policies
• Full custody of children
• Property settlement
• Divorce settlement
• Community service
• Contact with child agreed
• Warning letter sent from Solicitor to perpetrator
• Separation order

Analysis - Support Agencies | Analysis - Victim Support