Occupation & Non-Molestation Orders

Domestic abuse can take many forms including physical, psychological, sexual, financial or emotional abuse.

We advise separating and divorcing clients on sensitive issues including addiction issues, narcissistic behaviour patterns, coercive control, emotional and physical abuse and harassment issues. 

Coercive control is a form of domestic abuse that involves a pattern of behaviour used to dominate, intimidate, isolate or control another person. 

It can include physical assault, threats, humiliation, intimidation or other abusive behaviour designed to harm, punish or frighten a victim.

The aim of coercive control is often to make the victim dependent on the abuser by isolating them from sources of support, restricting their independence and controlling aspects of their daily life.

Examples of coercive and controlling behaviour include:

• Isolating you from friends, family members or other support networks

• Controlling or restricting access to money and financial services

• Making threats or using intimidation to try to influence your behaviour

• Monitoring how you spend your time

• Tracking your activities through online communication tools, devices or spyware

• Dictating where you can go, who you can see, what you can wear or when you can sleep

• Preventing or restricting access to medical care or other support services

• Repeatedly criticising you or making you feel worthless

• Degrading, humiliating or dehumanising you

Domestic abuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, background, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or financial circumstances. While domestic abuse is often experienced by women and perpetrated by men, victims can also be men and those in same-sex relationships. Children who are aware of domestic abuse are also victims and need protection.

If you are experiencing coercive control or any form of domestic abuse, it is important to know that support is available and that you do not have to face the situation alone.

We are used to helping clients in these difficult situations. 

If you are worried that you may be at risk of domestic violence, we can help you obtain Court orders to protect you and your family.

We frequently represent clients within contested applications under the Family Law Act for Occupation and Non-Molestation orders, and where necessary we obtain orders under the Protection from Harassment Act.