Research by national domestic abuse charity Safe Lives show that victims of domestic violence suffer it on average for nearly 3 years before getting the help they need. Some will suffer more than 50 incidents during that time.
85% of victims are in contact with professionals on average 5 times in the year before they get effective help. Almost a quarter of victims at high risk of harm go to an A&E Department because of their injuries. Some on as many as 15 occasions.
The organisation is calling on every professional such as doctors, midwives, social workers, police and A& E staff to ask about domestic abuse every time they are worried.
According to the charity there are 100,000 victims at high risk of murder or serious injury in England and Wales. It is estimated there are 130,000 children living with domestic abuse, more than 50% experience direct harm in addition to the damage done by witnessing the abuse of other members of their family.
Our firm has a number of specialist solicitors experienced in assisting the victims of domestic abuse across the south west, also with experience of representing families and children with such issues due to the involvement of Social Services.