Domestic Abuse Lawyers in Portsmouth, Chichester and Alton
If you are the victim of domestic abuse, we can help you obtain the necessary orders from the court to protect you and your family. JC Solicitors offer a safe space for you to discuss your concerns and help you with legal and practical aspects.
Urgent Legal Help for Domestic Abuse Victims
JC Solicitors have a great deal of experience in dealing with the practical and legal aspects of relationships involving domestic abuse. It is vital that a victim of domestic abuse can trust and confide in their lawyer, and feel fully supported throughout the process. JC Solicitors provide a safe and supportive space for you to discuss matters and seek help.
Your safety will be of paramount important to us. It is without question that any information you provide will be treated with the utmost confidentiality and at no point will we take any action or contact your partner without your permission.
Domestic abuse is not simply physical violence. It can take many forms, all of which can be equally terrifying and unsettling. This can include verbal abuse, harassment, controlling behaviour, sexual abuse, financial abuse and control, and intimidating behaviour. The abuse can also vary in duration, sometimes being occasionally, but in other cases regularly and over a long period of time. The abuse can be actual or threatened.
Men can also be the victims of domestic abuse just as well as women, children, parents and elderly people who are also vulnerable.
You are not alone in dealing with this, and our lawyers will listen and support you throughout the process.
Domestic abuse is unacceptable and if you are the victim of abuse, JC Solicitors can assist by obtaining the necessary orders from the court to protect you and your family. We can also assist you with practical issues by putting you in touch with the right professionals that can assist you with housing, claiming benefits and emotional support. You may also like to look at other advice and support networks to contact:
- · National Domestic Abuse Helpline – nationaldahelpline.org.uk
- · Refuge – refuge.org.uk
- · Men’s Advice Line – mensadviceline.org.uk
- · Relate – relate.org.uk
- · Safe Lives – safelives.org.uk
NEVER risk your safety or your children’s safety. If you are at ANY risk, call 999 for police assistance.
Submit an enquiry
What is Domestic Abuse?
Domestic abuse is not simply physical violence. It can take many forms, all of which can be equally terrifying and unsettling. Domestic abuse includes:
– Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, slapping, or any form of physical violence
– Verbal abuse: Shouting, name-calling, threats, or constant criticism
– Emotional or psychological abuse: Intimidation, threats, humiliation, isolation from family and friends
– Controlling behaviour: Monitoring your movements, controlling who you see, dictating what you wear
– Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual activity or coercion
– Financial abuse and control: Controlling finances, preventing access to money, forcing financial dependence
– Intimidating behaviour: Threatening gestures, destroying property, harming pets
The abuse can vary in duration — sometimes occasional, but in other cases regular and over a long period of time. The abuse can be actual or threatened.
Men can also be victims of domestic abuse, just as women, children, parents, and elderly people are vulnerable. You are not alone in dealing with this, and our domestic abuse solicitors will listen and support you throughout the process.
How JC Solicitors Can Help You
Domestic abuse is unacceptable. If you are the victim of abuse, our domestic abuse lawyers can assist by obtaining the necessary court orders to protect you and your family. We can also assist you with practical issues by putting you in touch with the right professionals who can help with housing, claiming benefits, and emotional support.
Non-Molestation Orders
A non-molestation order is a family court order that prohibits someone from using or threatening violence against you, intimidating, harassing, or pestering you. We can help you apply for a non-molestation order urgently, often within 24-48 hours, to provide immediate legal protection.
Occupation Orders
An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home and can exclude an abusive partner from the property. If you need to remain in your home safely or need your abuser to leave, our domestic abuse lawyers can guide you through the application process and represent you in court.
Restraining Orders and Injunctions
We can also assist with restraining orders (often issued in criminal proceedings) and other injunctions to prevent contact, harassment, or threats. Our team works closely with the police and criminal justice system to ensure comprehensive protection.
Emergency Legal Protection
In urgent cases, we can apply for emergency orders (also known as “ex parte” applications) without the abuser being present at the initial hearing. This allows you to obtain immediate protection while a full court hearing is scheduled.
Practical Support and Referrals
We can assist you with practical issues by connecting you with professionals who can help with housing, claiming benefits, and emotional support. We work with local and national organisations to ensure you receive comprehensive support.
The Domestic Abuse Legal Process
Our domestic abuse lawyers guide you through each stage of the process, ensuring your safety and protecting your legal rights.
Step 1: Urgent Consultation
We begin with a free initial telephone consultation to understand your circumstances, assess the immediate risk, and explain your legal options. This meeting is confidential and without obligation.
Step 2: Gathering Evidence
We help you compile evidence of abuse to support your application for protective orders. This may include police reports, medical records, photographs, messages, and witness statements.
Step 3: Applying to Family Court
We prepare and submit your application to the family court, requesting urgent protective orders. In emergency cases, we can apply for immediate orders without the abuser being present.
Step 4: Court Hearing and Order
We represent you at the court hearing, presenting your case and evidence to the judge. If successful, the court will issue a non-molestation order, occupation order, or other protective measures.
Step 5: Ongoing Protection and Support
Once the order is granted, we ensure it is served on the abuser and provide ongoing legal support. We can also help you apply for extensions or additional orders if needed, and connect you with support services for housing, benefits, and emotional support.
Expert Support from Our Domestic Abuse Lawyers
Our family law team combines local knowledge, national expertise, and a compassionate, client-focused approach. We understand that discussing domestic abuse is difficult, which is why we provide clear legal advice in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment.
Our domestic abuse lawyers act with empathy and expertise, explaining each step in plain language. We will help you understand your legal rights, prepare the necessary documents, negotiate fair settlements where appropriate, and represent you confidently in the family court where required.
Tania Jeffery
Tania Jeffery is managing director of JC Solicitors After completing her law degree at Southampton University and Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in Guildford, Tania undertook her training contract with a regional firm based in Portsmouth, Hampshire.
You can contact Tania on 01243 850 860 or email tania@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
Paula Solieri
Paula Solier
i is a Chartered Legal Executive and has specialised in family law for over 25 years. Paula is known for her client-focussed approach and capacity to simplify complex issues and provide support.
You can contact Paula on 01243554273 or email paula@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
Josie Buck
Josie Buck provides legal support for Tania and Paula and has worked for various law firms across Chichester and Worthing.
You can contact Josie on 01243850308 or email josie@jcsolicitors.com
Submit an enquiry
What Our Clients Say
We pride ourselves on delivering expert family law legal advice and representation that makes a difference. Clients regularly highlight our clear communication, local knowledge, strategic support and genuinely caring approach.
Domestic Abuse Legal Help and Insights
Our family law experts regularly publish helpful guides and articles on the domestic abuse legal process — from how to prepare evidence for a non-molestation order to what to expect at your first family court hearing. Explore our Domestic Abuse Legal Insights section to stay informed and confident as you move forward.
– Collaborative Law Offers a No-Court Alternative
– Facing Separation or Divorce: How Mediation Can Help
Domestic Abuse Legal FAQs
What is a non-molestation order?
A non-molestation order is a family court order that prohibits someone from using or threatening violence against you, intimidating, harassing, or pestering you. The order can prevent the abuser from contacting you directly or indirectly, and from coming within a specified distance of your home, workplace, or children’s school. Breaching a non-molestation order is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.
How much does a non-molestation order cost?
There is no court fee for applying for a non-molestation order. Legal costs vary depending on the complexity of your case. At JC Solicitors, we offer a free initial telephone consultation to assess your situation and provide a transparent fee estimate upfront. Please note that our free initial telephone appointment is a consultation service where we signpost our services for you. If advice is required, this will be chargeable at the rates discussed at your initial consultation. This firm is not able to offer assistance with legal aid, but many domestic abuse victims are eligible for legal aid through other providers.
Can I get legal aid for domestic abuse?
This firm is not able to offer assistance with legal aid. However, many domestic abuse victims are eligible for legal aid through other providers, meaning legal costs may be fully covered. You may qualify for legal aid if you have evidence of domestic abuse (police reports, medical records, court orders, referrals from support services) and your income and savings are below certain thresholds. For information on legal aid eligibility and providers, visit gov.uk/legal-aid or contact the Civil Legal Advice helpline: 0345 345 4 345.
What evidence do I need for a non-molestation order?
While you do not need extensive evidence to apply for a non-molestation order, providing supporting evidence strengthens your case. Useful evidence includes police reports or crime reference numbers, medical records or photographs of injuries, text messages, emails, or social media messages showing threats or harassment, witness statements from family, friends, or neighbors, records of previous incidents or court orders, and diary or log of abusive incidents (dates, times, what happened). Our domestic abuse lawyers will help you gather and present evidence effectively.
How long does a non-molestation order last?
A non-molestation order typically lasts 6-12 months, but can be extended if needed. The duration depends on your circumstances and the court’s decision. If you need the order extended, our lawyers can help you apply for an extension before the current order expires.
What is an occupation order?
An occupation order regulates who can live in the family home and can exclude an abusive partner or family member from the property. It can require the abuser to leave the family home, prevent them from entering the home or surrounding area, allow you to return to the home safely, or regulate who can occupy specific parts of the property. Occupation orders are often applied for alongside non-molestation orders to provide comprehensive protection.
How do I apply for a restraining order?
Contact our domestic abuse lawyers for urgent advice. We will assess your situation, help you gather evidence, prepare your application, and represent you in family court. Restraining orders are often issued in criminal proceedings, so we may work with the police and Crown Prosecution Service to ensure you receive comprehensive protection. Book your free telephone consultation today.
Can I get free legal advice for domestic abuse?
We offer a free initial telephone consultation to assess your situation and explain your options. During this meeting, we will discuss the services we can provide and fees. This firm is not able to offer assistance with legal aid, but many domestic abuse victims are eligible for legal aid through other providers. For legal aid providers, visit gov.uk/legal-aid or contact the Civil Legal Advice helpline: 0345 345 4 345.
How much will legal assistance with domestic abuse cost?
If you’re seeking assistance with regard to children matters, please do not hesitate to contact us. We offer a free initial telephone consultation with no obligation. During this initial meeting, we will familiarise ourselves with your case, provide signposting if necessary and discuss the services we are able to provide you and fees, so that you have a full understanding of what your costs will likely be from the outset.
Please note that our free initial telephone appointment is a consultation service where we signpost our services for you. If advice is required, this will be chargeable at the rates discussed at your initial consultation. This firm is not able to offer assistance with legal aid.
Click here to arrange your free initial consultation or call our Alton office on 01420 544 273 or our Chichester office on 01243 850 860.
