Home should be a place of relief for people, a place to look forward to, somewhere they can relax and find joy after a hard day at work. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. There are increasing reports of domestic violence, the main target of which are often women and children.
Statistics suggest that a woman suffers domestic abuse somewhere every nine seconds. The case is serious for children as well. It is seen that 1 in 5 children is a victim of domestic abuse. Domestic violence can be traumatic and difficult to talk about, especially since such acts of domestic violence generally involves a loved one.
However, it is important to seek help, and getting compensation may help you keep things from falling apart. If you are not sure how about the way you should apply for the claim, you should take the help of a solicitor to guide you in this matter. There are many solicitors who deal with the cases of domestic violence and hiring such experienced people is a good idea.
You can choose from a diverse list of solicitors in England, Wales and Scotland from the Solicitors Guru website. If you find that you cannot afford a solicitor, you can try hiring the one who offers the No Win No Fee agreement so that you do not have to pay in case you do not win the case, thus reducing your financial risks to a great extent. More of that option you may find in the explanation of no win no fee on the above-mentioned website.
Steps to apply for the claim
If you or your children are victims of domestic violence, the first step is safety. Do not stay in the place or with the person who has caused you or your child harm. Move out and stay with a friend who will help you. Talk to someone close. In the case of any injuries, seek immediate medical attention and also keep a record of all such transactions.
You should also report the matter to the police as soon as possible if you want to apply for compensation. You can apply for compensation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) as they provide compensation to blameless victims of violent crime.
Domestic violence as a crime
While verbal abuse and mental torture all form a part of domestic violence, these are more difficult to apply compensation for if you do not have sufficient evidence to prove your case. Physical and sexual abuse is also a common form of domestic violence and these are easier to prove, and hence have better chances of compensation.
There are many effects of domestic violence on the victims. They include stress, guilt, anxiety, various disorders, and serious injuries and even hampered ability to find paid professional work. In such cases, you can apply for compensation for all the losses, physical, emotional and financial that you have suffered. Do not forget to report the matter to the police. Take the help of a solicitor in this process.
If you and your partner are married or are civil partners or were previously married or were civil partners, or have agreed to enter a civil or married relationship, or if you two have a child together or have the responsibility for a child you can report against them for compensation for domestic abuse.