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Free Guide to Hiring a Family Lawyer
Domestic violence - also called domestic abuse - covers physical violence, sexual abuse, emotional or psychological abuse, financial control, harassment, stalking, and coercive or controlling behaviour between people in an intimate or family-type relationship. In Belfast the relevant criminal and civil responses operate within the legal framework of Northern Ireland, and local agencies such as the Police Service of Northern Ireland manage emergency response, investigation and initial safeguarding.
In recent years Northern Ireland has strengthened its legal and policy approach to domestic abuse. Police, prosecutors, courts, social services and specialist support organisations increasingly treat domestic abuse as a pattern of behaviour and as a serious criminal and public-safety matter. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse in Belfast it is important to prioritise safety, to know your options for emergency protection, and to seek specialist legal and support advice.
You may need a solicitor if you are seeking protection from an abuser, facing criminal investigation, looking to resolve family law issues such as child contact or residence, or dealing with housing, immigration or financial consequences of abuse. A lawyer can:
Explain criminal and civil options - what you can ask the police and courts to do, and what to expect from criminal prosecution.
Apply for protective orders or injunctions on your behalf, draft statements and court documents, and represent you in hearings.
Advise on child protection matters, contact and residence disputes, and how to present evidence to family courts while safeguarding children.
Help with housing issues, applications for emergency accommodation or occupation orders, and with benefits or debt problems caused by abuse.
Provide advice on immigration consequences of leaving a relationship, or on legal aid and funding for legal representation.
Criminal law - Domestic abuse can involve specific criminal offences such as assault, sexual offences, harassment and stalking, threats to kill, and malicious communications. Prosecutors in Northern Ireland assess evidence and public interest when deciding whether to bring charges. Recent legislative developments have increased recognition of coercive and controlling behaviour as part of domestic abuse.
Civil law and protection orders - Civil remedies can include injunctions and court orders designed to protect victims and to control an alleged perpetrator's behaviour. Courts can restrict contact, order a person to leave a shared home, or place conditions on behaviour where protection is needed.
Police powers and immediate safeguards - If you are in immediate danger the police can arrest an alleged assailant, remove a person from the property, and take initial safeguarding steps for you and any children. Multi-agency risk assessment processes can be used for high-risk cases to co-ordinate safety plans.
Child welfare and social services - Where children are affected, social services and family courts prioritise the childs welfare. This can lead to safeguarding plans, assessments or in rare cases, removal of children from a home if there is serious risk.
Legal aid and funding - Legal aid is available in certain domestic abuse-related criminal and family matters, depending on means and the type of case. Specialist advice will help you understand eligibility and how to apply.
Domestic abuse covers a range of behaviours between people in intimate or family relationships. It includes physical violence, sexual abuse, threats, harassment, stalking, controlling or coercive behaviour, financial control, emotional abuse and psychological tactics intended to isolate or intimidate a partner or family member.
If you are in immediate danger call the emergency number for police. If it is safe, try to move to a secure location and seek help from neighbours, friends or family. If you are able, get medical attention for any injuries and keep any evidence such as photos, messages or torn clothing in a safe place.
You can report abuse to the Police Service of Northern Ireland. Police will assess risk, can make arrests where offences are suspected, and can assist in immediate safeguarding. Reports are passed to prosecutors for charging decisions. You will usually be asked to provide a statement and may be referred to support services and a multi-agency risk assessment if you are at high risk.
Civil remedies can include court injunctions or protective orders that restrict the abusers conduct, exclude them from the family home or limit contact. Emergency interim orders can sometimes be obtained quickly. A solicitor experienced in domestic abuse matters can advise which order fits your situation and apply to the court on your behalf.
Reporting abuse does not automatically mean children will be removed. Social services and courts focus on the childs welfare and will assess risks. In many cases the response is to put in place safety and support measures for the child and family. Removal is a last resort where there is serious and immediate risk that cannot be managed any other way.
Yes. Each incident is assessed on its own facts. Where credible evidence supports offences by either or both parties, police and prosecutors may charge accordingly. Allegations will be investigated and decisions made by prosecutors based on evidence and public interest.
Keep a record of dates, times and details of incidents. Save text messages, emails, social-media evidence, call logs and photographs of injuries or damaged property. Seek medical records and incident reports. Store copies of evidence securely with a trusted person or an access-controlled digital folder. Avoid putting yourself at further risk when collecting evidence.
Legal aid may be available for criminal proceedings and some family law matters involving domestic abuse, subject to means and merits tests. A solicitor or a legal advice agency can check eligibility and help you apply. If you qualify, legal aid can cover representation and help obtain protection orders.
Immigration status can complicate a domestic abuse situation, but there are protections and routes for victims to regularise status in some cases. You should seek specialist immigration and domestic abuse legal advice as soon as possible. Reporting abuse should not be delayed; police and services can still assist with safety and support.
Timescales vary widely. Police investigations can take weeks or months depending on complexity. Criminal prosecutions depend on court listings and evidence. Family court applications for protective orders can be quicker in urgent cases, but contested proceedings may take longer. Your solicitor can explain likely timescales and keep you informed of progress.
Police Service of Northern Ireland - emergency response, reporting and initial safeguarding in Belfast.
Public Prosecution Service for Northern Ireland - prosecutes criminal cases following police investigation and can provide information on charging decisions.
Law Society of Northern Ireland - directory to find specialist family and criminal solicitors experienced in domestic abuse work.
Legal aid office and advice agencies - for guidance on means-tested legal representation and how to apply.
Women’s Aid Federation Northern Ireland - specialist support for women and children affected by domestic abuse, including refuge and safety planning.
Men’s Advisory Project and other services - support for male victims and family members.
Victim Support Northern Ireland - practical and emotional support for victims through criminal justice processes.
Social services and child protection teams - for concerns about children’s safety and welfare.
Housing Executive and homelessness services - for advice if you need emergency accommodation or help with housing rights.
If you need help right now, call the emergency number for police. If you are not in immediate danger, consider contacting a specialist support organisation for confidential advice and a safety plan. Preserve evidence where it is safe to do so and seek medical attention for injuries.
Contact a solicitor who has experience in domestic abuse - criminal and family law. Ask about legal aid and whether they can apply for emergency protective orders on your behalf. If you cannot afford a solicitor, contact local legal advice agencies or the Law Society of Northern Ireland for referrals.
Make a safety plan for you and any children - identify safe rooms, escape routes, and people you can contact in an emergency. Tell trusted friends, family or employers about your situation where appropriate. Keep important documents and contact numbers in a secure place.
Record incidents in detail and store evidence securely. Engage with support services for emotional, practical and housing support. If you have concerns about immigration status or benefits, get specialist advice promptly.
This guide provides general information and is not a substitute for legal advice. Laws and procedures may change, so consult a qualified solicitor or a specialist support organisation to discuss the specifics of your situation and to get tailored legal help.
