Protecting you from abuse

Being abused by a partner or family member is a frightening experience. At Nelsons, we have a team of specialist domestic violence solicitors who are experienced in helping victims of domestic abuse and can help you apply for protection from the Court.
Domestic violence can occur in a number of ways, which include:
- Physical violence
- Sexual abuse
- Harassing the victim
- Threatening behaviour
- Emotional abuse
- Coercive and controlling behaviour
Protection from domestic abuse
Under the Family Law Act 1996, the Court offers protection to the victims of domestic violence where the abuser was associated with them, such as a partner, parent or other family members, and has various powers such as:
- Non-molestation orders – to prevent violence, threats of violence or harassing and pestering and molesting behaviour.
- Occupation orders – to exclude someone from the family home, or prevent them from coming within a specified distance of it.
The Police can make an arrest if they suspect that these orders have been breached. The person breaching the order will also be guilty of contempt of Court and can be sent to prison.
Additionally, victims of domestic abuse can also get support from specialist services, such as Women’s Aid and the National Domestic Abuse Helpline.
Need advice? Contact us to find out how we can help
What our clients say about us…
How our domestic violence solicitors can help
Our team of specialist domestic abuse solicitors are experienced in protecting victims of domestic violence and will respond quickly to your enquiry. Our team understand how distressing domestic abuse is and handles all cases with sensitivity and professionalism with the aim of protecting you from future abuse.
Our expertise in family law is recognised by the independent directories, The Legal 500 and Chambers and Partners. The team also includes:
- Resolution Accredited Specialists
- Law Society Family Panel & Advanced Family Panel members
- Law Society Children Panel Members
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"Nelsons Solicitors Limited has an experienced family and children law practice, and is noted for its strength in cases with an international element. The family team...regularly advises high-net-worth individuals on financial relief cases. Melanie Bridgen, who heads up the children team, is experienced in complex children proceedings; this includes matters concerning international relocation, parental alienation and non-accidental injuries."
The Legal 500
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“Accomplished practice noted for both matrimonial and childcare matters. Appropriately equipped to assist with public and private children law, including adoptions, child abductions and non-accidental injury cases. Active in high-value financial remedy matters, including those involving trusts, commercial assets and cross-border aspects.”
Chambers and Partners
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"Nelsons...is a leading firm in family law. They represent people from all walks of life and always give 110% to all of their cases. Their diversity is exceptional. Unlike other solicitors they are always on hand to speak by phone or email, night or day or weekend. They will take the most challenging pro bono cases to ensure that clients have the best representation and advocacy."
The Legal 500 2023
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"Midlands powerhouse Nelsons Solicitors Limited houses family law specialists in each of its three offices, led by Emma Davies (in Nottingham); Melanie Bridgen (Derby) and Glynis Wright (Leicester). The firm is particularly recommended for its capabilities in dealing with international children law cases, a specialism of Bridgen, as well as, surrogacy, unravelling trusts, complex business arrangements and divorce. ‘Outstanding’ director Gayle Rowley has built up a specialisation in financial remedies and private children law."
The Legal 500 2023
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"Superb family law team, class A and the absolute go to in children law and financial relief on divorce. They far outweigh their competitors in every aspect. The people provide hands on support and client care from the outset concentrating on strategy and approach. Given their wealth of experience, they are financially competitive."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024
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"Nelsons are an well-established and highly respected firm, deservedly so. They cover a number of disciplines with the utmost professionalism. They are a pleasure to deal with and prominent in the local legal community."
Referee feedback provided to The Legal 500 2024