Resolution launch new report on domestic abuse
Resolution launch new report on domestic abuse in financial remedy proceedings research
In mid-2023 Resolution, the umbrella organisation for all professionals and practitioners involved in advising on family breakdown and disputes, convened a multi-disciplinary working party to
understand reported incidences of domestic abuse, and to consider what impact any abuse has on the outcome of financial remedy proceedings on divorce and how domestic abuse is addressed in other financial proceedings.
The working party comprised specialist family law solicitors and barristers, representatives from the Family Law Bar Association (FLBA), family law academics, independent financial advisors and domestic abuse charities. Their report took on board the views of more than 500 family justice professionals who were surveyed. The results highlight that there is overwhelming professional concern that the long-term impact of domestic abuse is not sufficiently considered in financial proceedings between separating couples and parents.
The results have been unveiled in the report: Domestic abuse in financial remedy proceedings (October 2024). The research conducted to produce the report found that 80% of family justice professionals believe domestic abuse and specifically economic abuse is not sufficiently taken into account in financial remedy proceedings. 85% of those surveyed said it is also not sufficiently taken into account in Schedule 1 (awards for parents of children) and 87% believe it is not sufficiently taken into account in cases where the separating couple have cohabited but not been married. Some 90% of respondents also said there was insufficient access to legal aid, and if this were more readily available, more people could get help faster.
Resolution is now calling for a cultural shift from all family justice professionals to better meet the needs of survivors of domestic abuse seeking the resolution of finances on divorce. The report makes a raft of recommendations to policy, legislation and processes in order to identify and improve how domestic abuse is addressed in financial proceedings relating to families and their children. A copy of the report and research can be located here.
For anyone experiencing any form of domestic abuse or going through the process of trying to get a financial settlement as part of divorce, our highly experienced family law solicitors are on hand to provide advice and guidance on the various processes and methods available to achieve a client’s goals.
Contact our family law team today to find out more at Kerseys Solicitors in Ipswich at [email protected] or telephone 01473 213311 or Kerseys Solicitors in Felixstowe at [email protected] on 01394 834557 or Kerseys Solicitors in Colchester at [email protected] on 01206 584584.
