20 May 2025

Every day in our work, we confront the harsh realities of violence against women and girls. It’s not just a distant societal issue, it’s a very present crisis unfolding in real time, in real lives and behind too many closed doors. Lucy Itani work closely with support services in Torfaen, Newport, Cardiff, Bristol and Gloucester helping survivors to navigate the legal process.

A Non-Molestation Order, under Section 42 of the Family Law Act 1996, can prevent an abuser from using or threatening violence and from harassing, pestering, or intimidating the applicant. Breach of this order is a criminal offence, carrying serious consequences, including imprisonment.

An Occupation Order, made under Sections 33–38 of the Family Law Act 1996, regulates who can live in the family home and can order an abuser to leave, even if they are a legal owner or tenant. For many victims, especially those with children, this order is crucial in creating a stable and safe living environment.

We also frequently work on cases involving domestic abuse in child arrangements proceedings under the Children Act 1989. The impact of domestic abuse on children cannot be ignored, whether they witness it or experience it directly. Courts are required to consider the welfare of the child as paramount (per Section 1 of the Children Act 1989) and take any allegations or findings of abuse seriously when determining what orders should be made. Through the introduction of the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, children and young people are now recognised as victims of domestic abuse in their own right.

In 2014, Practice Direction 12J was introduced to guide family courts in handling cases where domestic abuse is a factor. It underscores the need for thorough risk assessments to ensure that child contact arrangements do not expose victims or children to further harm.

Violence against women and girls takes many forms, physical, emotional, psychological, financial and it often hides in plain sight. It doesn’t discriminate by background, income, or education level. What remains consistent, however, is the need for access to justice, support systems and strong advocacy.

The legal system can be a powerful tool, but it must be navigated with care, compassion and clarity. That’s why we remain deeply committed to this work, not just as a professional obligation, but as a human one. Supporting survivors through some of the most difficult moments in their lives demands resilience, empathy and above all, a belief that everyone deserves to live free from fear.

Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. It is preventable. But to do so, we must continue to raise awareness, challenge harmful norms and strengthen the legal and support systems that empower survivors to reclaim their lives.

Rubin Lewis O’Brien are proud to be part of that process every single day.

If you would like advice or representation in a matter involving domestic abuse, please do not hesitate to contact us or Lucy Itani directly.