A domestic abuse storyline is running on Coronation Street at the moment which explores Geoff’s controlling and manipulative behaviour towards Yasmeen.
In the show they have demonstrated the many examples of controlling and manipulative behaviour from Geoff such as:
- Telling Yasmeen she was too old to take on a catering job
- Punishing Yasmeen for staying too long at a wine-tasting event with friends and convincing her into thinking she had forgotten they had plans and blaming her drinking
- Stealing her personal jewellery and manipulating her into thinking that her granddaughter’s friends had stolen from her
- Ensuring that the pay out from the insurance company in relation to the stolen jewellery went into his bank account
Domestic abuse is not just physical and there are many different forms that it can take. What constitutes abuse and what are your options?
Definition of domestic abuse
There is currently no statutory definition of domestic abuse. However, the general definition provided in the Family Procedure Rules is:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality.’’
Examples of the types of domestic abuse someone might experience are:
- Psychological
- Physical
- Sexual
- Financial
- Emotional
- Controlling and coercive behaviour
Examples include:
- Isolating and/or restricting your access to communication from your family, friends or sources of support
- Controlling your finances
- Feeling humiliated or intimidated whether in private or public
- Taking away your independence
- Threats designed to frighten you
Who can experience Domestic Abuse?
Anyone can experience domestic abuse regardless of gender, age, wealth, race, religion or sexuality.
According to the Office for National Statistics 2 million adults aged 16 to 59 years experienced domestic abuse in 2018 (1.3 million women, 695,000 men).
Options available to you
Non-Molestation Order
A court order which offers you protection by preventing the other party from using or threatening violence against you, or intimidating, harassing or pestering you.
A power of arrest can be attached to the non-molestation order which means that it would be a criminal offence for the other party to breach it and a breach could result in them being sent to prison.
Occupational Order
A court order which would prevent the other party from entering your property or the surrounding area.
Next Steps
For more information on this topic please see our Domestic Abuse factsheet by clicking on the following link: chlsolicitors.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/CHL_A5_Domestic-violence_SP.pdf
If you need any help or advice the family team at Chafes Hague Lambert offer free initial appointments at all of our offices. To make an appointment call the office that is most suitable to you.